TUDJMAN PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO NEW AMBASSADORS

( Editorial: --> 3688 ) ZAGREB, March 31 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Tuesday presented credentials to Zoran Piculjan and Davorin Mlakar, new Croatian ambassadors to the Czech Republic and Japan respectively. Croatia and the Czech Republic are linked by historical, cultural and economic ties, Tudjman said adding tourism is of special importance to both countries. He said Japan is one of the world's economic giants and Croatia should especially try to develop economic relations with that country. Davorin Mlakar was previously Administration Minister in the Croatian Government and Zoran Piculjan was Secretary of the Foreign Ministry. (hina) jn mrb/rm 311546 MET mar 98