TUDJMAN'S CHIEF OF STAFF RECEIVES CHASSARD

( Editorial: --> 9430 ) ZAGREB, Dec 18 (Hina) - The Croatian President's chief of staff, Hrvoje Sarinic, on Thursday received the political director for Europe at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dominique Chassard. Both parties positively assessed bilateral relations and pointed out there were big possibilities to develop them even more in politics and economy. Chassard said nobody in France doubted the fact that Croatia belongs to Europe. In the near future, France wishes to assist Croatia get closer to European and Atlantic institutions, he said. To intensify economic cooperation, it is necessary that French businessmen should get better acquainted with the Croatian market and the big possibilities it offers. The meeting also touched on the current situation in Bosnia- Herzegovina. Chassard was also received by Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader. They concluded contacts should be continued and intensified on all levels with the aim to achieve better cooperation, better understanding and better coordination of activities. (hina) ha mm 181937 MET dec 97