CRO PRESIDENT HOLDS TALKS WITH AUSTRIAN COUNTERPART, SPANISH PREMIER

PREMIER $ STRASBOURG, Oct 10 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Friday held talks with Spanish Premier Jose Maria Aznar in the continuation of bilateral activities as part of the second Council of Europe summit in Strasbourg. The Spanish premier conveyed Spain's interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Croatia. He pointed out the fact that several Spanish diplomats, like NATO Secretary General Javier Solana and international High Representative in BH Carlos Westendorp, play an important role in the peace process on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. This morning the Croatian President also held talks with his Austrian counterpart Thomas Klestil. In his talks with both Aznar and Klestil, Tudjman pointed out the continuity of Croatia's support for the peace process. He also informed them about Croatia's latest steps in the matter. Croatia is cooperating fully with the Hague war crimes tribunal, Tudjman said. It is necessary for all war crimes indictees to appear before the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia, he pointed out, so that the tribunal's work may reflect the real nature of the conflict on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. The Croatian President ascertained that Croatia is implementing a policy which takes care of its interests, but also adjusts it to the interests of Croatia's partners in the international community, the European Union and the United States in particular. Austrian President Klestil wished for the continuation of the very good and friendly relations Croatia and Austria have been developing since Croatia was internationally recognized. Klestil, who takes over the chairmanship of the European Union later next year, pointed out Austria supports Croatia in its aspirations to be included in European integrations. For its relations with the European Union, it is important for Croatia to comply with its commitments, Klestil added. According to Spanish Premier Aznar, there exist manifold possibilities for the development of Croatian-Spanish relations. He was in particular interested in the economic situation in Croatia. Numerous large Spanish companies are interested in taking part in business with Croatia, he said. (hina) ha jn 101515 MET oct 97