STATEMENTS BY CROATIAN AND TURKISH PRESIDENTS

ZAGREB, July 16 (Hina) - The Turkish and Croatian delegations, led by presidents Suleyman Demirel and Franjo Tudjman, held talks in the Presidential residence in Zagreb on Friday evening. After the talks, the two presidents gave short statements. President Tudjman said that the two delegations talked about crucial issues on the international policy, settlement of the crisis in the region and bilateral relations. Croatia is particularly interested in solving the problem on occupied Croatian areas and resolving the crisis in Bosnia-Herzegovina, said President Tudjman. The Croatian President went on to say that the two delegations concluded that Turkey and Croatia contributed to signing of the Washington agreements and realization of the B-H Federation, as well as to creating of conditions for a confederation between Croatia and the Croat-Bosniac Federation. President Tudjman further said that the Turkish and Croatian delegations made agreements on "many things" in the spheres of the economic and cultural co-operation. President Demirel said that relations between the two countries were developing to the benefit of both nations. President Demirel thanked President Tudjman for Croatia's contribution and participation in the settlement of the crisis in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He estimated the creation of B-H Federation as a success. Stressing the importance of achieving peace in the region, President Demirel said that Turkey and Croatia would continue to co-operate on achieving peace in the region. Croatian President Tudjman, Turkish President Demirel and Bosnian President Izetbegovic are to meet in Brijuni on Sunday. Turkish President Demirel is to visit the Croatian Parliament and to address delegates at about noon on Saturday. 161058 MET jul 94