CRO PRESIDENT ARRIVES IN ILOK FOR GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVITIES

( Editorial: --> 1561 ) ILOK, Sept 19 (Hina) - President Franjo Tudjman on Saturday arrived in Croatia's most eastern town Ilok, where the traditional entertainment and cultural event the 31st Ilok Grape Harvest is underway. Tudjman and his associates arrived by helicopter before noon at the town stadium and were welcomed by local officials. They then headed to the Ilok 1 border crossing, where Tudjman was given a report by Assistant Interior Minister Josko Moric. Following the short stop Tudjman then headed towards the renown Ilok vineyards on Principovac, where a ceremonial picking of grapes marked the official start to this year's harvest. During his visit to Ilok the President was due to visit the returnee family of Vlado and Zeljka Rotim, and was to hold a speech at the town square where the artistic programme of the event is being held. Those welcoming Tudjman and his entourage included Vukovar-Srijem County Prefect Rudolf Koenig, Ilok Mayor Stipan Kraljevic, Ilok Town Council assembly chairman Vlatko Cobankovic, MPs Vlado Osust, Dragan Papac and Petar Cobankovic, the Croatian Democratic Union town committee president Pero Coric and one of the legendary commanders of Vukovar's defenders, Mile Dedakovic Jastreb. Among those accompanying the Croatian President to Ilok were Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Borislav Skegro, Croatian National Parliament vice-presidents Vladimir Seks and Jadranka Kosor, and National Trust Establishment Committee chairwoman Vesna Skare-Ozbolt. (Hina) mbr 191417 MET sep 98