CROATIAN PRESIDENT CONFIRMS ELECTION OF VUKOVAR COUNTY PREFECT

ZAGREB, Jan 6 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Saturday confirmed the election of Vlado Osust as prefect of Vukovar County, the Presidential Office said in a statement. During the meeting, President Tudjman stressed the need for a speedier implementation of the Basic Agreement on Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Srijem, adding that all efforts should be directed at the peaceful reintegration of these areas. The talks also focused on the economic reconstruction of these areas and the creation of all conditions for the safe return of displaced people. Osust thanked the President for his confidence, stressing that his appointment as a county prefect was a great privilege and extraordinary challenge. Osust said that he would make every effort to contribute to the full reintegration of Vukovar County and its effective reconstruction. The meeting was also attended by Presidential Chief of Staff Ivo Sanader and Internal Policy Adviser Ivic Pasalic. (hina) vm 061627 MET jan 96