The decision to declare Mesic honorary citizen of Rovinj was made due to the big popularity he enjoys among its residents, as shown at presidential elections four years ago and in October 2001, when he and his Italian counterpart visited Rovinj, which bolstered the city's identity and contributed to its promotion, the city council said.
Thanking Rovinj's residents for their support, Mesic said this acknowledgement represented a big obligation as well.
"I have always advocated a tolerant society and this is a reality in Rovinj, as well as throughout Istria. For me Rovinj represents a city of coexistence, tolerance, and a developed and established democracy which is making headway in all areas by the day," Mesic said at the city council session.