PORTUGAL BACKS CRO ACCESS TO EURO-ATLANTIC INTEGRATION - TUDJMAN

( Editorial: --> 9436 ) LISBON, June 6 (Hina) - Portugal is understanding of Croatia's position and supports Croatia in its efforts towards an accelerated inclusion in Euro-Atlantic integration, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman said in Lisbon Saturday evening. Tudjman spoke at the Croatian Embassy building in Lisbon, which he visited after afternoon talks with Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio. The Croatian President is visiting the Portuguese capital on the occasion of marking Croatia's national day at the Expo 98 world exhibition. "I have been pleasantly surprised by President Sampaio's interest in the problems we are facing in our region, especially in the Bosnian crisis", said Tudjman. He emphasised the Portuguese President was very understanding in accepting Croatian views that Croatia is a Central European and Mediterranean country, and that demands to return Croatia to "some regional Balkan framework are not just unreal, but also contrary to the wish to achieve lasting peace and international order in the region", Tudjman said. He also said Portugal supported Croatia's accelerated entry into European integration. President Sampaio has accepted an invitation to officially visit Croatia, Tudjman concluded. (hina) ha 062008 MET jun 98