TUDJMAN PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO CRO AMBASSADORS TO U.N., BELGRADE

ZAGREB, 31 Jan (Hina) - The Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Friday presented credentials to the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary and head of Croatia's permanent mission with the United Nations Office in New York, Ivan Simonovic, as well as to Croatia's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Zvonimir Markovic. #L# President Tudjman said that the two officials were experienced diplomats who would perform duties of extreme importance for Croatia. To represent Croatia in the United Nations' main office and in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was of special national interest, President Tudjman said, adding he expected that the previous experience of the two diplomats would help them to continue their service to Croatia's benefit. The new Croatian ambassador to the United Nations thanked for the task he was entrusted with, adding he would see to it that Croatia gets an important position in the U.N. Ambassador Markovic said it was great honor for him to be appointed as the first ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Belgrade. The appointment was the acknowledgment of his past diplomatic service in the Yugoslav capital, he said. The delivery of credentials was also attended by the Presidential Chief Of Staff Hrvoje Sarinic, Foreign Minister Mate Granic and foreign policy advisor Zeljko Matic. (hina) rm jn 311516 MET jan 97