STATEMENT ON TALKS BETWEEN PRESIDENTS TUDJMAN AND BOBAN

ZAGREB, Nov 5 (Hina) - The delegations of the Republic of Croatia, led by President Franjo Tudjman, and the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia, led by Mate Boban, held a meeting in Split on Friday, said a statement released by the Office of the Croatian President. The delegation of Herzeg-Bosnia informed the meeting of the current political and military situation on the territory of Herzeg-Bosnia as well as in Bosnia-Herzegovina as a whole. Particular attention was paid to the plight of the Croat refugees, especially those from Vares, and the possibility of their accommodation. The meeting pointed out the obvious intention of the Moslem leadership in Sarajevo to continue the war. Therefore, the leaders of the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia asked for assistance and protection from the Republic of Croatia in defence of the Croatian people in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In keeping with the fundamental principles of the Croatian state policy towards Bosnia-Herzegovina, President Tudjman said Croatia was ready to offer all necessary assistance in caring for and protecting the rights of the Croatian people in Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to protect the strategic interests of the Croatian nation and the Republic of Croatia. (END) m-vm 051953 MET nov 93