ZAGREB UNIVERSITY SENATE ACCEPTS CHANCELLOR IVANCIC'S RESIGNATION

ZAGREB, Dec 20 (Hina) - Theologian Tomislav Ivancic, who was elected Zagreb University Chancellor in September, has tendered an irrevocable resignation to his office, which he was to take up in early February 2002, due to health reasons. The University Senate has accepted the resignation. Asking to be relieved of his duty, Ivancic expressed regret that his illness prevented him from meeting the expectations of those who elected him Chancellor. "Polls have shown that the appointment of a theologian and Catholic Faculty of Theology professor University Chancellor has marked progress in civilisation norms and confirmed permanent university traditions and the existence of European university standards," Ivancic said in his request. The University Senate accepted Ivancic's resignation at an extraordinary session on Thursday evening. The election of a theologian to the post of Zagreb University Chancellor caused disputes. Part of the public believed the appointment of a theologian to the post was not in line with the principle of separation of the Church and the state and was contrary to the very essence of the university as a scientific institution. Some, however, saw Ivancic's appointment as an act of democracy, saying the chancellor had been elected for the first time without the interference of the authorities and politics. (hina) sb rml