POPE'S ARRIVAL - MAIN TOPIC OF FRIDAY'S ISSUES OF CROATIAN PRESS

ZAGREB, June 5 (Hina) - The 100th journey of Pope John Paul II outside Italy hits the headlines of all Croatian dailies and is the central topic of articles in their issues of Friday. #L# According to dailies' reports, tens of thousands citizens welcomed the Holy Father who on Thursday afternoon arrived on the island of Krk and later in Rijeka on his third pastoral visit to Croatia. The Zagreb-based Vecernji List quotes the pope's words upon his arrival in Krk about his wish to see Croatia as a part of the European Union. This daily also emphasises the pontiff's statement that Croatia's heritage will help strengthen the Union. Another daily from Zagreb, Jutarnji List, points to the pope's expression of his happiness to visit again Croatia and his words that he is bringing the wish for peace. The Rijeka-based Novi List quotes the pope as saying that those who exercise civil and religious authority should not become tired of healing wounds caused by the cruel war and of rectifying consequences of a totalitarian system that for a too long period had tried to impose an ideology contrary to man and his dignity. The Zagreb-based Vjesnik and the Split-based Slobodna Dalmacija highlight the pontiff's words about the rich heritage of Croatia which will contribute to a stronger European Union. Vjesnik quotes the pope's appeal for higher social security which will create conditions for employment, social welfare, education accessible to every young man, and his appeal for the removal of all forms of poverty and inequality. The press also quotes the speech of welcome which President Stjepan Mesic gave greeting the Holy Father upon his arrival. Vecernji List also quotes Vice Premier Goran Granic as saying that the pope's messages "are the clearest, the most resounding and the most consistent messages against war, terrorism and for the building of a democratic and socially sensitive society". (hina) ms