DEPUTY DEFENCE MINISTER RECEIVES OUTGOING FRENCH MILITARY ATTACHE

( Editorial: --> 3313 ) ZAGREB, 13 Aug (Hina) - The outgoing French military attache to Croatia, Lieutenant Bernard Francois and Croatia's Deputy Defence Minister Kresimir Cosic expressed satisfaction with their cooperation so far at a farewell meeting held in Zagreb Wednesday. Lieutenant Francois will be replaced by Brigadier J. P. Decoola. The French official expressed satisfaction with the results of his mission in Croatia adding he was especially proud of contributing to France joining the battle against fires in Dalmatia. Francois thanked for the Order of Croatian Trefoil decoration and a "Domagojevi strijelci" diploma, presenting Cosic with a ceramic work. This farewell visit was a chance for me to thank Lieutenant Francois for all that has been done in the Croatian-French military cooperation so far, Cosic said. Following the signing of a military cooperation agreement, the two countries have intensified their cooperation, Cosic said adding that closer collaboration between the two countries in the region was in the interest of peace. (hina) rml 131038 MET aug 98