ZAGREB, Dec 12 (Hina) - Tens of thousands of Croatian citizens from Croatia and abroad have paid tribute to the late Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, whose body has been lying in state at the Presidential Palace in Zagreb. In the
early morning hours on Sunday, numerous citizens were waiting in long lines to pay their last respects to the first Croatian president, thank him for making the dream of Croatia's independence a reality and express sorrow at his passing. Foreign ambassadors, military attaches, and UN Mission representatives also paid tribute to the late Croatian president and signed the book of condolence in the Presidential Palace's library. US Ambassador William Montgomery told reporters President Tudjman was a symbol of Croatia's independence which had finally been achieved. He said he believed the two countries had to work with even more commitment on improving their relations. President
ZAGREB, Dec 12 (Hina) - Tens of thousands of Croatian citizens from
Croatia and abroad have paid tribute to the late Croatian President
Franjo Tudjman, whose body has been lying in state at the
Presidential Palace in Zagreb.
In the early morning hours on Sunday, numerous citizens were
waiting in long lines to pay their last respects to the first
Croatian president, thank him for making the dream of Croatia's
independence a reality and express sorrow at his passing.
Foreign ambassadors, military attaches, and UN Mission
representatives also paid tribute to the late Croatian president
and signed the book of condolence in the Presidential Palace's
library.
US Ambassador William Montgomery told reporters President Tudjman
was a symbol of Croatia's independence which had finally been
achieved. He said he believed the two countries had to work with
even more commitment on improving their relations. President
Tudjman had a strategic vision which included a close cooperation
with the United States. Our cooperation in other fields was very
good as well, Montgomery said, conveying his condolences to the
Tudjman family and the Croatian people.
Members of the honorary guard standing by President Tudjman's
coffin are exchanging every ten minutes. So far, the honorary guard
has seen Croatian Army generals, officials from Croatian
ministries, government offices, institutes and agencies, non-
government associations, as well as public workers and
dignitaries, athletes and many others. Citizens are signing the
book of condolence expressing their respect and gratitude for
President Tudjman's contribution in making the dream of Croatia's
independence a reality and sorrow at the loss of the first Croatian
president.
(hina) rml