TUDJMAN CONGRATULATES NEWLY-ELECTED BH PRESIDENCY

( Editorial: --> 3921 ) ZAGREB, Sept 29 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Tuesday sent a letter of congratulations to the newly-elected members of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency, Ante Jelavic, Zivko Radisic and Alija Izetbegovic. The President expressed conviction that the three officials would support the consistent implementation of the Washington and Dayton agreements and continue the establishment of democratic institutions to the benefit of all three peoples. Croatia is ready to continue its fruitfull relations and cooperation with Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as to establish special relations with the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Tudjman said. The Inter-State Council for Cooperation between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina should hold a joint meeting as soon as possible, so that an agreement on new steps in developing mutually useful cooperation could be reached. Congratulating the Croat member of the state presidency Jelavic, Tudjman wished him success in performing his duties in the interest of the Croat people in the Federation and the whole of Bosnia- Herzegovina. Jelavic's victory in the elections and the great confidence the Croat electorate has shown in him, under special election circumstances, is reason enough for satisfaction with the support the election programme of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia- Herzegovina (HDZ BiH) has received. This binds the elected representatives to consistently and resolutely support implementation of the policy securing the equality and sovereignty of the Croat people in Bosnia-Herzegovina and its ties with Croatia, Tudjman said. Croatia is ready for full cooperation in the implementation of the Washington and Dayton agreements and establishment of special relations with the Federation, the message concluded. (hina) rml /sp 291141 MET sep 98