CROATIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES CREDENTIALS FROM SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSA

AMBASSA $ DOR ZAGREB, May 23 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Thursday received credentials from the Vienna-based South African Ambassador to Croatia, Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko. South Africa's ambassador conveyed greetings from President Nelson Mandela to President Tudjman and the Croatian people. She expressed hope that the two countries would advance their relations in all areas. Tudjman expressed hope that Croatia and South Africa would develop good relations to their mutual benefit. Tudjman added that the 12,000-strong Croatian community in South Africa could provide a bridge for building good relations between the two countries. (hina) vm 231538 MET may 96