MACEDONIA'S PRESIDENT ADDRESSES CROATIAN PARLIAMENT SESSION

ZAGREB, April 12 (Hina) - Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov on Friday addressed a joint session of both houses of the Croatian Parliament. Gligorov said his country wanted to continue centuries-old friendship and cooperation with the Croatian people, expressing sincere admiration at everything Croatia had done in its struggle for independence and reintegration of its occupied areas. "We welcome the fact that the Republic of Croatia, like most countries in the region, has committed itself to European integrations," Gligorov said. Stressing Macedonia's firm commitment to cooperation with its neighbours on the basis of mutual interests, Gligorov said that Macedonia opposed "all pre-set formulas for establishing various alliances, such as federation or confederation, among former Yugoslav republics or Balkan countries." Welcoming the Macedonian guest, Parliament speaker Vlatko Pavletic said that relations between the Croatian and Macedonian people were not burdened. "Croatia and Macedonia are today independent states, oriented towards economic and political cooperation in the spirit of friendship," Pavletic said. (hina) vm mm 121640 MET apr 96