Zagreb, October 2, 2001 (IKA) — Prime Minister Ivica Račan and Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granić spoke today, October 2, with the secretary of the Holy See for relations with governments, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, who is on a three-day visit to Republic of Croatia, according to an announcement issued by the Public Relations Office of the Government of Croatia.
At the meeting, the contracts between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia were discussed, which have become a model used by the Vatican in relations with other countries. The Republic of Croatia and the Holy See signed four contracts, which are modern instruments of collaboration between the Church and State and whose stipulations are honored and implemented, as confirmed by Archbishop Tauran during the conversation.
Prime Minister Račan said that Croatia will continue to implement the contracted relations to the extent of its material abilities and according to the economic situation in Croatia.
There was also discussion on the situation in southeast Europe. The opinion was expressed that it is in the interests of the Vatican and the Republic of Croatia to stabilize the newly arisen situation as soon as possible and create the prerequisites for a lasting peace.
Archbishop Tauran noted that it is possible that the Holy Father will visit Croatia during 2002 and that the customary consultations will continue, according to the announcement.