TUDJMAN RECEIVES FOREIGN MINISTRY REPS FOR DAY OF CRO DIPLOMACY

( Editorial: --> 8558 ) ZAGREB, June 3 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Wednesday received a delegation from the Foreign Ministry led by Minister Mate Granic, as part of marking the Day of Croatian Diplomacy. June 7 has been chosen as the Day of Croatian Diplomacy because on that day in the year 879, Pope John VIII recognised Croatian statehood and Prince Branimir as its legal leader. During the meeting the long and successful history of Croatian diplomacy, especially Dubrovnik's, was stressed. The current foreign ministry has 844 permanent employees and 110 contract workers in Zagreb, its 47 embassies, 21 general- consulates and seven permanent missions, among whom a great number are Croatian emigrants. Tudjman said the basic task of Croatian diplomats was implementation of the state policy as well as promotion and protection of state and national interests. He judged that Croatia, given the geo-political opportunities and conditions in which it had been developing, could be satisfied with the achievements of its diplomacy. (hina) jn bag/ha 031535 MET jun 98