US ENVOY'S FAREWELL SPEECH AT SUSAK FUNERAL - HIGHLIGHTS

( Editorial: --> 2216 ) ZAGREB, May 7 (Hina) - The death of Croatian Defence Minister Gojko Susak is a great loss not only for his family and friends, but also for Croatia, former US defence secretary William Perry said in his valedictory speech in front of the mortuary chamber at Mirogoj cemetery. "This is a very sad occasion for me, as I came here not only as a representative of the United States but as Gojko Susak's friend," he said. Minister Susak was a visionary in military matters, Perry said, stressing the fact that the Croatian Army would one day become a valuable participant in western security organisations was "his legacy". "He was a man of integrity, a man of his word. For an American, there is no greater praise," said. Recalling that Susak in the first week after the proclamation of Croatia's independence "left his comfortable and profitable job in Canada to return to Croatia and fight for the freedom of his country", Perry said Susak had witnessed the realisation of his life's dream. For Croatia, his role was crucial in winning freedom, and for America, in the establishment of peace and stability in the region, Perry said. "I often used to ask his help in removing the obstacles in the path to the realisation of the Dayton Accord," Perry said. "I will miss him indeed," he concluded. (hina) as/mb 071456 MET may 98