MANY STATESMEN SEND LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE TO PAVLETIC

ZAGREB, Dec 12 (Hina) - Numerous heads of state, foreign top- ranking officials, diplomats and royalty on Sunday forwarded messages of condolence to Croatian National Sabor President and Croatia's acting President Vlatko Pavletic on the death of President Franjo Tudjman. "President Tudjman's death places additional responsibility on Croatia's leaders at this difficult time. We look to you and to the Croatian Government to provide genuine political leadership in the days ahead. Free and fair elections in Croatia will open the way to a new, more productive relationship between Croatia and the countries of the European Union," read the letter of condolence sent by British Prime Minister Tony Blair to Pavletic. Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi said it was with grief that he received the news about the President Tudjman's death, adding that he remembered with respect Tudjman's crucial role in leading Croatia toward its independence. Italy is close to the Croatian people with whom it is tied with profound historical relations that will be strengthened by Croatia's increasing participation in the construction of Europe, President Ciampi added. Norwegian King Herald and Austrian President Tomas Klesitl expressed sorrow at the death of President Tudjman and extended condolences to Pavletic, the Croatian Government and people as well as the family of the late President. German President Johannes Rau wrote that by the departure of Tudjman "the Croatian people has lost a great and leading political figure that led the nation through hard times until it won independence." After it won independence, Croatia set out to enter the democratic community of states. On this path Croatia can further count on support and sympathy of Germany, read Rau's message of condolence. Poland's President Alexander Kwasniewski extended condolences on his own behalf and on behalf of Polish people. I ensure you that we shall remember the late President as the architect of the sovereign and modern Croatia who did not spare efforts and energy for his country and nation, the Polish statesman added. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairman, Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek, recalled that "President Tudjman led his country to independence and fulfilled the dream of a sovereign Croatia." "Through its Mission, the OSCE has been following developments in Croatia and is monitoring the post-conflict rehabilitation efforts. The OSCE is committed to continuing its assistance and advice to Croatia," Vollebaek wrote to Pavletic. Letters of condolence were sent by Moroccan King Mohammed VI, Slovakian President Rudolf Schuster and Slovakian Parliament Speaker Jozef Migas. (hina) ms