ZAGREB UNIVERSITY AWARDS WILLIAM PERRY HONORARY PH.D.

( Editorial: --> 7826 ) ZAGREB, Sept 3 (Hina) - Former US Defence Secretary William Perry was given an honorary Ph.D. by the University of Zagreb on Thursday. Perry, an eminent scientist and professor at the University of Stanford, was given the Doctor Honoris Causa honorary degree by the rector of the oldest university in Croatia, Branko Jeren. The University of Zagreb presented Perry with the Ph.D. for outstanding achievement in the development and application of high electronic technologies, defence technologies and the security policy, and for state performance which greatly contributed to increasing the level of general security in south-eastern Europe and the strengthening of all-round cooperation between Croatia and the United States. Jeren said the promotion was an important event for the University of Zagreb due to Perry's impressive university activity and his work in the application of science in business and politics. Perry's work is the best evidence to the importance science and knowledge have in the development of high technologies, economy, entrepreneurship, and politics, said Jeren. Expressing gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him, Perry suggested than an exchange programme be established between the Universities of Stanford and Zagreb. This programme would facilitate a useful flow in both directions, from the US to Croatia and the other way round, he said. The ceremony was attended by representatives of all Croatian universities, US Ambassador to Croatia William Montgomery, and Croatian political and public figures, including Foreign Minister Mate Granic, and Ambassador to the US Miomir Zuzul. Yesterday, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman presented Perry with one of Croatia's highest state awards, the Grand Order of King Zvonimir. (hina) ha 031418 MET sep 98