PRESIDENT TUDJMAN RETURNS FROM VISIT TO HOLY SEE AND ITALY

ZAGREB, Oct 29 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Friday night returned to Zagreb from a two-day official visit to the Holy See and Italy. He described his visit as very successful and having a wider meaning. Following an audition with Pope John Paul II, Tudjman and Holy See Secretary Cardinal Angel Sodano opened the exhibition "Croatians - Christianity, Culture, Art" in The Vatican. Tudjman also held talks Friday with Italian President Azegli Ciampi. Tudjman said the fact that the Vatican had at the end of the second millennium, provided Croatia with the opportunity to present itself to the world had a deep significance and meaning. "This means that Croatia in this and such a world, in this and such a situation has a special place and that the Christian world and the Holy See give special importance to Croatia," Tudjman said. He said it was a very rare case that Vatican officials who attended all meetings with the Croatian delegation had expressed "undivided support to Croatia, Croatia's efforts and achievements". Tudjman said the exhibition had a wider meaning and all Croatians in the country and abroad must be aware "of what we have achieved, which did not come by by accident, but is the result of work," and achievements in Croatia itself and its role in the world. Speaking about his meeting with Italian President, Tudjman said a high level of harmonisation in relations was reached, despite the fact that Croatia and Italy do not have equal views of Europe and the world. (hina) lml