PRESIDENT MESIC MEETS OUTGOING APOSTOLIC NUNCIO EINAUDI

ZAGREB, Aug 27 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Wednesday met the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia, Msgr. Giulio Einaudi, whom he presented with the Order of Prince Trpimir with the Chain and the Croatian Morning Star for his contribution to the development of relations between Croatia and the Holy See. #L# Mesic said that Msgr. Einaudi had helped Croatia very much during the 11 years of his term in Croatia and presented him with the decoration "for his special contribution to the development of friendly relations between Croatia and the Holy See". Einaudi said the decoration belonged not only to him but also to the Holy Father, who he said had always been benevolent towards Croatia. "The Holy Father feels a special kind of affection for the Croat people and considers Croatia a country of great tradition - Christian and spiritual," he said. The Vatican established relations with Croatia on 8 February 1992 and Einaudi was its first ambassador to the country. During his term of office, the Vatican and Croatia signed four agreements. The new Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia is honorary archbishop Penafiela Francisco-Javier Lozano, who was appointed Einaudi's successor on August 4. (hina) rml