STATE COMMITTEE FOR POPE'S VISIT HOLDS SESSION

( Editorial: --> 9786 ) ZAGREB, Sept 11 (Hina) - The state committee in charge of preparations for the Pope's visit to Croatia today discussed all key issues surrounding this, John Paul II's second visit here, committee chairman Jure Radic told reporters on Friday. On October 2, the Pope will visit Zagreb, then Marija Bistrica, a sanctuary near the capital where he will beatify Croatian cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, on October 3, and Split, a port on the central Adriatic, the day after. Radic announced that all construction works included in the preparations would be completed by September 26. He called on the faithful to use public transport to reach welcome areas and to obtain tickets without which they will not be able to enter any area envisaged for the welcome. These tickets are free and may be obtained in parishes, Radic said. Due to great ticket demand, not all will be able to be present on Kaptol, the Zagreb square where the cathedral is, he added. Those unable to attend will be able to watch the event on a video-screen from the nearby Ban Jelacic main square. Tickets are still available for Split and Marija Bistrica. During the Pope's stay in Croatia, vehicles with licence plates from the town the Pope is visiting that day will not be allowed to traffic, in order to enable the faithful from other parts of Croatia have easier access to the town in question. Tickets for trains and buses driving from Zagreb to Marija Bistrica will be purchased in parishes. A plan of Zagreb roads and streets which will be banned for traffic during the Pope's stay will be issued by the committee on September 15. Today's session also discussed an agreement on economy issues between Croatia and the Vatican, the text of which was adjusted last week, Radic said. He added this document, which formulates economic relations with the Vatican, was expected to be signed during the Pope's visit. (hina) ha jn 111917 MET sep 98