PM: ZADAR GAVE POPE MAGNIFICENT WELCOMING CEREMONY

ZADAR, June 9 (Hina) - Upon arriving in Zadar, where Pope John Paul II will hold the Liturgy of the Word, Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan told reporters Monday that his wish was that the pope's visit to Croatia ended magnificently. #L# Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, who will also attend today's event in Zadar, said the pope showed his greatness by showing concern for common people, the youth, agriculturists and workers. Racan stressed the Holy Father told him last evening during a private audience that he was very satisfied with his visit to Croatia. "We do not doubt that today in Zadar will be the culmination of the magnificent atmosphere," said Racan. "We appreciate universal values the pope advocates and which are easy to agree with. The Holy Father helped Croatia in the most difficult times," said Racan and reminded that Croatia enjoyed John Paul's support in joining the European Union and that this was an objective of his third visit to Croatia. The PM invited the Pontiff to visit Croatia again. Apart from Racan and Mesic, also present at the welcoming ceremony in Zadar was Parliament President Zlatko Tomcic. (hina) it