PRESIDENT TUDJMAN RECEIVES MSGR UHAC - STATEMENT

ZAGREB, March 14 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman today received Msgr Josip Uhac, secretary of the Congregation for Evangelization, a Presidential Office statement said. Msgr Uhac was accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Giulio Einaudi. The talks focused on President Tudjman's decision on ending the UN Protection Force mandate, Croatian efforts at negotiating a new mandate of UN forces and international activities in the former Yugoslavia. President Tudjman informed the guests of the talks regarding the termination of the UNPROFOR mandate, hoping that a new mandate would step up negotiations between the Croatian government and Croatian Serbs in occupied areas. The guests fully supported the President's initiative to accelerate the peaceful resolution of the problem of occupied areas and their reintegration into the constitutional and legal system of the Republic of Croatia. The joint estimate was that the decision on a new UN mandate additionally strengthened Croatia's international position. Also discussed was the political situation in Bosnia- Herzegovina and the plight of Catholics and Croats there. President Tudjman asked his guests to relay words of greeting and gratitude to the Holy Father and the Vaticn for their support of Croatia. The meeting was also attended by Presidential Chief of Staff Hrvoje Sarinic, the statement concluded. (hina) mm vm 141947 MET mar 95