GOVERNMENT, BISHOPS ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON TUESDAY'S MEETING

ZAGREB, Dec 12 (Hina) - Representatives of the Croatian Bishops' Conference (HBK) and the government are willing to contribute through mutual dialogue to the common good of the individual and the Croatian society as a whole, they said in a joint statement on Wednesday. The government's representatives gave the bishops guarantees that the agreements between Croatia and the Holy See would be honoured in their entirety. Both sides agreed there existed open issues which called for discussion on the highest level and the level of mixed commissions for certain areas. The members of the government notified the bishops about the processes whereby the government is trying to secure conditions for a better and more prosperous living. The processes are not over, require time and the engagement of all state institutions, and call for reforms, sacrifices, a positive social climate and more solidarity, they said. The government members are willing to cooperate and talk, and are open to criticism, the joint statement said. The bishops said they were following the government's activity, the situation at home and Croatia's international standing, as well as its bids to integrate into European structures. They suggested keeping each other better informed, and voiced hope future contacts would contribute to this. The statement says the government's representatives assured the bishops the agreements between Croatia and the Vatican would be wholly complied with. This also refers to pre-school religious teaching. Yesterday's meeting was held at the government building, with the attendance of Prime Minister Ivica Racan and several members of his cabinet. Representing the HBK were its president, Archbishop of Zagreb Josip Bozanic, and several archbishops and bishops. (hina) ha sb