CROATIAN PRESIDENT CONFERS DECORATIONS, PROMOTIONS

ZAGREB, May 28 (Hina) - Croatia's President and commander of the armed forces, Franjo Tudjman, today conferred decorations and promotions on officials of the Croatian army, the Defence Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the National Security Office and the Presidential Office. The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace to mark the fifth anniversary of Croatia's independence and Armed Forces Day. Speaking on behalf of the promoted and decorated officials, the Croatian army Chief of Staff, General Janko Bobetko, said that "we have made a commitment to honourably and consistently defend our country and fulfil all the tasks set by you (President)." "Because of the dignity of our people, their loyalty and national consciousness, we are determined to establish full control of the internationally recognized borders of our country." "You have received decorations I have conferred upon you as a sign of gratidude for your share in the creation, defence and reconstruction of Croatia," President Tudjman said. "You have earned these decorations and promotions to set an example to others and to justify confidence that I, as a head of state, have placed in you. "I wish you a lot of success in your work, which should be in the interest of the armed forces, national security and our homeland," Tudjman said. The ceremony was attended by the head of the Presidential Military Cabinet, General Zvonimir Cervenko, Croatian Parliament chairman Nedjeljko Mihanovic, House of Counties speaker Katica Ivanisevic, parliamentary deputies, Government officials and foreign military attaches accredited in Croatia. (hina) vm 281458 MET may 95