TUDJMAN RECEIVES OUTGOING TURKISH AND ITALIAN AMBASSADORS

ZAGREB, Oct 30 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Friday received the outgoing Ambassadors of Turkey, Daryal Batibay, and Italy, Francesco Olivieri, in separate talk. Tudjman awarded both ambassadors with medals of the Order of Prince Branimir for their contributions in promoting cooperation and overall relations between their countries and Croatia. "Relations with Turkey, not only on a bilateral level, are very important, because the Republic of Turkey, particularly President Demirel, played a great role in solving the crisis in Bosnia- Herzegovina and the establishment of relations in the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina," Tudjman said during talks with Ambassador Batibay. Expressing gratitude for the medal, Batibay said he was convinced that the relations between Turkey and Croatia would continue to develop and expand. "Now that we can look to the future with greater optimism, I know our relationship will expand and grow, thanks to both your personal contribution which you never cut short," Batibay said. The Italian Ambassador said he was leaving Croatia as its even greater friend than he was when he arrived. "Our relations are constantly developing and I believe they are reaching the kind of level relations between two neighbouring and friendly relations should have," Olivieri said. The Italian Embassy in Zagreb said Olivieri will be succeeded by Fabio Igliapoco, who is arriving in Croatia on November 9. The Turkish Embassy could give no information about the incoming ambassador to Croatia. (hina) lml