PRIME MINISTER RACAN MEETS ARCHBISHOP TAURAN

ZAGREB, Oct 2 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan and his first deputy Goran Granic met Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, the Holy See's secretary for relations with states, in Zagreb on Tuesday. Tauran, who is on a three-day official visit to Croatia, and his hosts discussed relations between the Holy See and Croatia, which the Vatican sees as a model for regulating relations with other states, read a statement issued by Racan's cabinet today. Croatia and the Vatican have signed four agreements, which are complied with and implemented, a fact confirmed by Archbishop Tauran, the statement said. Racan said Croatia would continue fulfilling its obligations as defined by the agreements in line with its financial potential and economic situation. Also discussed was the situation in South-East Europe. It is in the interest of the Vatican and Croatia to see the new situation stabilised as soon as possible and conditions for a lasting peace created. Archbishop Tauran stressed the possibility of a visit by the Holy Father to Croatia in 2002, about which consultations will resume, the statement said. (hina) rml