CROATIAN PRESIDENT GIVES CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR RECEPTION

ZAGREB, Dec 21 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Saturday gave a Christmas and New Year reception for senior government officials, representatives of the legislative, judicial and executive authorities, church dignitaries, representatives of the Croatian Army, the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Croatian Defence Council, prominent public and cultural figures, business people, and representatives of social organizations. Tudjman said in a speech that significant economic results had been achieved and numerous political issues had been resolved in 1996, the first year of peace since the establishment of Croatia as an independent and sovereign state. Speaking of priorities in the next year, the President pointed out the completion of the reintegration of the eastern UN- administered Danube river region and the return of displaced people and reconstruction of war-damaged areas. Tudjman stressed that Croatia guaranteed all its citizens who wished to live in it in accordance with the Croatian Constitution, all ethnic and civil rights. Recalling that local and presidential elections would be held next year, he said that local elections should step up the peaceful reintegration process and strengthen the democratic system. The President said it was essential to increase living standards and to create conditions for the return of Croatian emigrants. Tudjman drew particular attention to the danger of the so- called regional approaches which are aimed at returning Croatia to associations from which Croatia had managed to set itself free with great sacrifice. We have enough experience and knowledge to preserve Croatia's independence and sovereignty, and only we could put in danger what we have so far achieved, he said. The first to address the President was the president of the Croatian Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Franjo Kuharic, who wished him a good health and a lot of success in performing his presidential duties to the benefit of the Croatian people and state. Kuharic emphasized the importance of creating conditions for the descent life of all Croatian citizens on the basis of equity, respect and love. You have demonstrated a statesmanlike resolve and awareness by leading the Croatian people in the realization of their centuries- old dream to have a state. The Croatian state should ensure the protection of rights and safety of all its citizens, Kuharic said. Addressing the President on behalf of Parliament, Government, judicial and other state bodies, Parliament president Vlatko Pavletic said that 1996, although turbulent and full of tensions, was the year of consolidated peace, full stability and numerous successes in all fields. (hina) vm 211607 MET dec 96