ZAGREB, 18 Oct (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Friday presented Austria's former foreign minister Alois Mock with a 'King Dmitar Zvonimir' medal with sash and Croatian morning star for his contribution in the
international recognition of Croatia, the development of friendly relations between Austria and Croatia and Croatia's overall welfare.
ZAGREB, 18 Oct (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Friday
presented Austria's former foreign minister Alois Mock with a 'King
Dmitar Zvonimir' medal with sash and Croatian morning star for his
contribution in the international recognition of Croatia, the
development of friendly relations between Austria and Croatia and
Croatia's overall welfare. #L#
Presenting Mock with one of the highest Croatian decorations,
President Tudjman said:
'Dear Mr Mock, two years ago, on the occasion of the Croatian
Statehood Day, I awarded you a 'Prince Trpimir' medal for your
great contribution in the international recognition of the
independent Republic of Croatia, and in particular for your
contribution in the development of friendly relations between
Croatia and Austria.
As one of the most prominent Austrian and European
politicians, you continued to promote Croatia and support its
rapprochement to European organisations with a zeal of a true
friend.
Now that Croatia is a member of the Council of Europe, it is a
special privilege for me to be able to award you one of the highest
Croatian decorations - 'King Dmitar Zvonimir' medal with sash and
Croatian morning star.
This medal is a sign of our acknowledgment and gratitude for
all you have done for Croatia as the President of the European
Democratic Union and on behalf of those European political forces
Croatia wants to rely on in developing its democracy and
sovereignty.
I offer my most sincere congratulations and wish you success
in strengthening peace and establishing cooperation between nations
living in the new European order.
Receiving the award, Mock recalled the Serbian aggression and
the help Austria gave Croatia during the aggression.
He stressed the importance of solving conflicts peacefully,
but added that the use of other means was justified in cases when
political means only were not enough for the protection of just
requests.
The ceremony was also attended by Parliament Chairman Vlatko
Pavletic, Premier Zlatko Matesa, President's Chief-Of-Staff Ivo
Sanader, Foreign Minister Mate Granic, state seal keeper Ivan
Milas, Parliament Deputy Chairman Zarko Domljan, Croatian
Ambassador to Austria, Milan Ramljak and President Tudjman's
advisor on external affairs, Zeljko Matic.
The former Austrian foreign minister was accompanied by the
Austrian Ambassador to Croatia, Andreas Berlakovich.
(hina) rm
182046 MET oct 96