ZAGREB, Dec 30 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Monday gave a New Year reception for representatives of the legislative, judicial and executive authorities, religious dignitaries, the army's high-ranking officers,
politician, and outstanding scientists, cultural workers and other public figures.
ZAGREB, Dec 30 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Monday
gave a New Year reception for representatives of the legislative,
judicial and executive authorities, religious dignitaries, the
army's high-ranking officers, politician, and outstanding
scientists, cultural workers and other public figures. #L#
At the reception at which he wished his guests and all Croatian
citizens a very successful and happy new year, Mesic said that in
2002 a significant step forward was made in the democratisation of
the political life in Croatia.
The head of state said that in 2003 Croatia would have to ensure a
stable economic growth and continue its promotion in foreign
affairs.
"All this will not be easy to do, as neither circumstances nor the
situation in the international relations are simple," Mesic said
adding that the world had entered an unstable period in the second
half of 2002.
International capital markets have registered a fall in the value
of shares, and international political circumstances have become
strained. The situation is likely to aggravate and even new war in
the Near East may break out. All of this show that we must judge in
realistic terms positive and negative characteristics of our
situation under such circumstances, Mesic said.
The president called on political factors and the entire Croatian
public to reach consensus on fundamental tasks in the development
of the country.
Premier Ivica Racan, who was absent from the party, excused himself
saying he was ill, and according to unofficial information the
Croatian premier had a virosis.
(hina) ms