PRESIDENT MESIC RECEIVES LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM PRESIDENT BUSH

ZAGREB, Feb 13 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Tuesday received a letter by US President George W. Bush expressing support to the Croatian government and president, stressing the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the consolidation of security and stability in the Southeast of Europe, the Croatian President's Office said in a statement. Bush pointed out he laid much importance in continuing the development of close and fertile relations between Croatia and the United States. He expressed confidence that through joint cooperation the two countries could achieve a more stable and progressed future for the entire region, Bush said in his letter. The progress Croatia has achieved in the past year is impressive and surely the result of the firm leadership you personally, as well as Prime Minister Racan have shown, the letter, addressed to President Mesic, said. The American president asserted the government's firm opting for democracy and a law-based state brought Croatia to the right path. I appreciate the difficult choices you had to make and am truly in awe of the exemplary role the two of you are playing in the region, President Bush stressed. He expressed satisfaction he would, with the Croatian leadership, work on building a brighter future for all peoples in Southeast Europe. (hina) lml