ZAGREB, Nov 30 (Hina) - A majority vote without discussion by the +Croatian National Sabor's Upper House on Monday supported a bill to +confirm the Agreement Between the Holy See and the Republic of +Croatia on Economic Issues. The
vote marked the continuation of the +22nd session of the Upper House.+ The Agreement is the fourth in a series signed between the Holy See +and Croatia and it would regulate several issues, including the +return of property confiscated from the Catholic Church during +Communist rule, said Deputy Prime Minister Jure Radic. + Property is to be returned in three ways - in kind according to +Croatian laws, replacement for the property which cannot be +returned and financial compensation.+ The Agreement stipulates that within a period of six months after it +goes into force, a mixed commission of an equal number of government +representatives and the Bishops' Conference will
ZAGREB, Nov 30 (Hina) - A majority vote without discussion by the
Croatian National Sabor's Upper House on Monday supported a bill to
confirm the Agreement Between the Holy See and the Republic of
Croatia on Economic Issues. The vote marked the continuation of the
22nd session of the Upper House.
The Agreement is the fourth in a series signed between the Holy See
and Croatia and it would regulate several issues, including the
return of property confiscated from the Catholic Church during
Communist rule, said Deputy Prime Minister Jure Radic.
Property is to be returned in three ways - in kind according to
Croatian laws, replacement for the property which cannot be
returned and financial compensation.
The Agreement stipulates that within a period of six months after it
goes into force, a mixed commission of an equal number of government
representatives and the Bishops' Conference will prepare a list of
property which is to be returned.
The second section of the Agreement deals with financial aid to the
Catholic Church. Several models exist in the world, said Radic
adding that Croatia had opted for the model where the Church would
receive a set annual grant from the state budget.
The amount is to be determined dependent on the number of parishes
multiplied by two average monthly salaries or about US$28 million
per annum.
The Agreement, reminded Radic, determines the rights and
obligations of religious officials with regard to social, pension
and other rights.
The House of Counties is to discuss another three items during the
day including the final bill on the banking law.
(hina) sp/rml