CROATIAN PRESIDENT AT A V-E DAY CELEBRATION IN MOSCOW

MOSCOW, May 9 (Hina) - It was of historic importance for the Croatian people, after they established their own state at a turning point in world history, to be present at celebrations attended by those who helped win the victory over fascism. And that they were one of the most important factors for the establishment of a new world order in South-East Europe, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman said today in Moscow, where he is attending the 50th anniversary of the victory over fascism. The vitality of the Croatian people, who, after founding their own state in the Middle Ages, maintained their identity in the Hapsburg monarchy and Yugoslav federation and recently succeeded in establishing their own state and in taking part in the international community, was reason enough for being optimistic about the future, Tudjman said. He described the Moscow celebration as very impressive and said that today's Russian leaders rightly emphasised the role their country had played in the defeat of nazism and fascism in World War II. Asked to comment on the fact that all celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the victory over fascism were turned to the past and did not mention peace, Tudjman said that celebrations in London, Paris and Moscow were held to show who should be the ones to dictate peace in the world. (hina) jn rm as 091448 MET may 95