Zagreb, January 4, 2001 (IKA) — In celebration of Christmas and the New Year, the president of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesić, held a reception for the representatives of the religious communities. After extending holiday greetings, President Mesić gave high marks to the contribution of the Churches and religious communities, especially “when it was difficult.” The situation in Croatian society remains difficult, and the president urged the religious communities to assist in solving problems, particularly at the time of the unification of Europe and globalization when, “in addition to wealth, poverty and criminality are also being globalized.” He expressed the desire for improved ecumenical dialogue among the various religious communities in the Republic of Croatia. Besides the Catholic Church, to which 80 percent of the population belong, other major religious communities include the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Islamic Community, the Jewish Community and several Reformed Churches. In response to President Mesić’s greetings, on behalf of the Catholic Church and the representatives of the other religious communities, the president of the Croatian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Josip Bozanić of Zagreb, noted that Croatia has entered the new millennium as an independent and internationally recognized country which represents “a first-class event in our recent history!” This centuries-old Croatian dream was achieved with much love and sacrifice, and the grave consequences of the war are still being felt. “It is necessary to speak about and judge the grave events that left behind victims and criminals in a highly responsible manner, with careful examination of the causes and consequences, in order to avoid injuring or belittling the victim, without justifying or minimizing the crime,” said Msgr. Bozanić. The archbishop urged more dialogue in the Croatian society, which he characterized as “hyperpoliticized.” “We recognize the actual possibilities as well as the difficulties that attend a country in transition. We hear and take into account appeals for saving and sacrifice, but may the vital needs of the poorest and most vulnerable never be forgotten. A society that skimps on its children closes itself to the future,” said Msgr. Bozanić at the end of his remarks, expressing best wishes to President Mesić and his associates.