VATICAN, May 8 (Hina) - Pope John Paul II on Monday received Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan for 20-minute talks, after which he received other members of the Croatian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Tonino Picula.
VATICAN, May 8 (Hina) - Pope John Paul II on Monday received
Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan for 20-minute talks, after
which he received other members of the Croatian delegation headed
by Foreign Minister Tonino Picula. #L#
Prior to talks with the Pope, Racan spoke with deputy Holy See State
Secretary Giovanni Batista Rea. The two tackled all details of
relations between Croatia and the Vatican.
"I am satisfied with the visit and talks I held with the Holy Father
and Monsignor Rea," Racan told Croatian reporters in Rome,
stressing both sides wished to continue developing good
relations.
The Vatican expressed support to the Croatian Government policy,
especially towards Bosnia-Herzegovina, as both countries are
interested in maintaining a multi-ethnic and multi-national
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Racan asserted agreements signed with the Holy See would be
respected and the dynamics of their implementation would be decided
on jointly.
"An exceptionally great moment for me was meeting John Paul II,"
Racan said, stressing the Holy Father's merits in Croatia's gaining
of independence and for the Croatian people, who are very grateful
to the Holy Father.
At the end of the meeting Racan gave the Pope an issue of Simun
Kozicic's book from 1503.
(hina) lml mm