HDZ PRESIDENCY MEMBERS ISSUE STATEMENTS ON TUDJMAN'S PASSING

ZAGREB, Dec 11 (Hina) - The late Croatian President Franjo Tudjman was one of the greatest men in Croatian history, members of the Presidency of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said after a commemorative session at the HDZ Main Secretariat on Saturday. HDZ vice president Ivic Pasalic said President Tudjman's passing had turned a new page in Croatian history. Our parties and Croats are deeply aware of this fact, he pointed out. "This is one of the most painful moments in Croatian history," said Zlatko Canjuga, another HDZ vice president. With his work, President Tudjman surpassed all Croatian greats, he stressed. Croatian Foreign Minister and another HDZ vice president Mate Granic said President Tudjman was the founder of independent Croatia, who had realised his mission through the end. Granic said President Tudjman's strongest message to the Croatian people was his call on all-round reconciliation. "Franjo Tudjman deserves the most credit for the armed resistance to the Serb aggression, and for the creation of a sovereign and independent state, and it is up to us to pursue along his path and lead Croatia into European integration," said Granic. (hina) ha