CROATIAN PRESIDENT CONFERS HIGH DECORATIONS ON VATICAN DIGNITARIES

VATICAN, Oct 28 (Hina) - Croatia's President Franjo Tudjman on Thursday presented Croatian decorations to Holy See dignitaries in recognition of their efforts to promote friendly relations between the Vatican and Croatia. At the official dinner organised in the honour of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Croatian President gave these decorations to the Roman Catholic dignitaries for their exceptional personal contribution to the furtherance of friendly ties between the Holy See and Zagreb as well as for their role in the organisation of the Pope's state and pastoral visits to Croatia. Cardinal Sodano received the High Order of Queen Jelena with the Sash and the Morning Star while Archbishop Giovanni Batista Reo, the Holy See's deputy for general affairs and Archbishop Jean Louis Tauran, the Holy See Secretary for relations with countries, got the High Order of King Dmitar Zvomimir with the Sash and the Morning Star. The Order of Prince Branimir with the collar were conferred on the Vatican's commissioner for general affairs, Msgr. Pedro Lopez Quintano and the Under-secretary for the relations with countries, Msgr. Celestin Migliore. (hina) jn ms