IMF DELEGATION BEGINS WEEK-LONG VISIT TO CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 7290 ) ZAGREB, Dec 10 (Hina) - An International Monetary Fund delegation began an official week-long visit to Croatia on Wednesday during which it would hold talks with representatives of the central bank, the government and other state institutions. "This time talks will not focus on concluding a formal agreement because Croatia - as the public has already been informed - has assessed that it no longer needs financial assistance from the IMF and has suspended the withdrawing of funds approved under a three- year expanded cooperation programme," the National Bank of Croatia said in a statement. The bank said that Croatia was continuing its cooperation with the IMF in the form of a "professionally monitored programme", which would include the exchange of information and evaluation of economic and financial policies. (hina) vm mm 101312 MET dec 97