MARGARET THATCHER ARRIVES IN CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 0549 ) ZAGREB, Sept 15 (Hina) - Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on Tuesday arrived in Zagreb where she will be presented with high decorations for the support she gave Croatia during the Serbian aggression. During her five-day stay, Baroness Thatcher will meet Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, who is expected to present her with a high Croatian decoration. Thatcher will also meet parliament president Vlatko Pavletic, Premier Zlatko Matesa, Foreign Minister Mate Granic, and Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic. The Baroness will also be presented with a honorary doctorate of the University of Zagreb and the tile of honorary citizen of Zagreb. At the Zagreb faculty of Economy Thatcher will speak about freedom, justice and security as big challenges of the new millennium. At a time of great need during the Serbian aggression in 1991 and 1992, Thatcher proved herself as a great friend of Croatia, by supporting Zagreb's aspirations towards independence and asking of the international community to recognise Croatia and supply it with weaponry for defence. Thatcher on several occasions criticised the international community's behaviour, claiming NATO, the European Union and the UN had gambled away their credibility by taking a passive stand during the Serbian aggression on Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Thatcher will also visit Vukovar and Ilok, towns in eastern Croatia, and the southern Croatian port of Dubrovnik. (hina) ha 151408 MET sep 98