CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES U.S. AMBASSADOR

( Editorial: --> 1568 ) ZAGREB, Dec 30 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa on Tuesday received the outgoing US Ambassador to Croatia, Peter Galbraith. Matesa had been a participant in the development of relations between Croatia and the United States, especially in economy, and had become a personal friend, Galbraith said. He expressed optimism regarding Croatia's future and added that the chapter of war and implementation of the peace agreement had been closed. A new phase ensued when Croatia is to become a partner in institutions of the West. Despite occasional disagreements with the US government and whether or not there are still tasks to fulfil in the process of democratisation, I am convinced that Croatia is on the right path to become a part of the West, Galbraith said. (hina) lm 301200 MET dec 97