SPLIT, July 11 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic and the Holy See state secretary, cardinal Angelo Sodano, on Sunday held talks in the southern Croatian port of Split, assessing relations between the two states as
excellent and in permanent ascent. Granic acquainted Sodano with the strategic goals of Croatia's foreign policy and the internal state of affairs. He expressed hope parliamentary parties would reach consensus regarding new electoral legislation. Cardinal Sodano said the Holy See understands some of the difficulties Croatia is going through, stressing they should however be viewed in context of the high achievements Croatia has made in the last nine years. Sodano also expressed belief in good Church-state relations in Croatia. The two officials said they were satisfied with the realisation of four agreements Croatia and the Holy See had signed. Granic and Sodano also talked abo
SPLIT, July 11 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic and
the Holy See state secretary, cardinal Angelo Sodano, on Sunday
held talks in the southern Croatian port of Split, assessing
relations between the two states as excellent and in permanent
ascent.
Granic acquainted Sodano with the strategic goals of Croatia's
foreign policy and the internal state of affairs. He expressed hope
parliamentary parties would reach consensus regarding new
electoral legislation.
Cardinal Sodano said the Holy See understands some of the
difficulties Croatia is going through, stressing they should
however be viewed in context of the high achievements Croatia has
made in the last nine years.
Sodano also expressed belief in good Church-state relations in
Croatia.
The two officials said they were satisfied with the realisation of
four agreements Croatia and the Holy See had signed.
Granic and Sodano also talked about an exhibition on Christianity
in Croatia, which is to be opened by Croatian President Franjo
Tudjman in the Vatican on October 20.
According to the Croatian foreign minister, "a great part of the
talks was dedicated to the problems of peace and stability in
Europe, and both sides assessed the Stability Pact (four Southeast
Europe) as a good model for establishing lasting stability in
Croatia and its neighbours in Southeast Europe."
Granic and Sodano said Croatian-Holy See relations were an example
for relations with other countries in transition.
Cardinal Sodano said he was satisfied with today's talks, pointing
out he agreed with everything Minister Granic said. "The Holy See
wishes the Croatian people all the best. A great future lies ahead
of Croatia," he told reporters.
He and Granic were tied by a "long and genuine friendship. I very
much appreciate the great commitment and professionalism he uses to
serve his country," the cardinal said.
Also present at today's talks were Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister
Ivo Sanader, Croatian Ambassador to the Holy See Marijan Sunjic,
and a dozen Vatican bishops and administration officials.
(hina) ha