JOINT MEETING OF CROATIAN STATE AND CHURCH COMMITTEES

ZAGREB, Sep 2 (Hina) - The Croatian State and Church committees for preparations of Holy Father's visit to Croatia said at today's joint meeting in Zagreb that all the preparations were going according to the plan. Head of the Church committee, Msgr. Marko Culej, said that about 430,000 believers had already announced their visit to Zagreb on 10 September. "We invited cardinals, about 70 bishops, chairmen of bishop's conferences in European countries, all episcopes of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Croatia, dignitaries of the Evangelical and Baptist Churches and representatives of Jews and Moslems," said Msgr. Culej. Head of the State committee Jure Radic said that the Pope would arrive at Zagreb airport at 17:30 hours on 10 September. Croatian President Franjo Tudjman would meet Holy Father at the airport and deliver a welcoming speech. Pope John Paul II would also deliver an address of welcome to President Tudjman and the Croatian people, said Radic. Holy Father is to meet with the clergy at the Zagreb Cathedral in the evening on 10 September. On Sunday morning (11 September), the Pope will visit President Tudjman. Their talks will focus on all crucial issues and will last for an hour and fifteen minutes, said Radic. Afterwards, the Pope will come at a central celebration at the Zagreb Hippodrome. He is to leave for Rome at 18:15 hours on Sunday by plane, said Radic. Mayor of Zagreb, Branko Miksa, said that a cross from Hippodrome will be presented as a gift to the city of Vukovar, and a bell will be given to Knin. The Croatian National Bank is preparing a special silver coin to the amount of 100 and 200 kunas, and a gold coin to the amount of 500 kunas, which will be given as a present to Holy Father. Head of the press center, Ante Beljo, said that some 1,000 journalists would cover the Pope's Visit to Croatia. (hina) mm ks 021721 MET sep 94