PRESIDENT TUDJMAN AWARDS CROATIAN SHAMROCK ORDER TO JOURNALIST

ZAGREB, Feb 16 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman today awarded the Order of the Croatian Shamrock to Croatian emigre journalist Hasan Suljak on account of his merits for promoting Croatia's interests abroad, the President's office said in a statement. Following is the full text of the statement: "Since the establishment of sovereign and independent Croatia, Suljak, who has been the Bonn correspondent of the leading Egyptian newspaper, Al Ahram, for decades, has greatly contributed to promoting truth about the events in Croatia. Thanks to his efforts, contacts were established with numerous German politicians and journalists. President Tudjman voiced his satisfaction with being able to personally decorate Mr. Suljak, who has shown sincere dedication to the Croatian cause throughout his career. Suljak expressed gratitude and said he was proud for being decorated by President Tudjman himself. Also present were head of the President's cabinet, Gordan Radin, head of the Decoration Section Stjepan Adanic and Croatian Ambassador to Germany Ivan Ilic." (hina) as 162112 MET feb 96