Zagreb, January 20, 1999 (IKA) – The president of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Franjo Tuđman, delivered an address on the state of the Republic of Croatia at a joint session of both houses of the Croatian Sabor (Parliament). Among the most significant events during the past year, President Tuđman singled out the peaceful reintegration of the Croatian Danube River Valley (Podunavlje) region, by which the Republic of Croatia has achieved full sovereignty over its territory, the second visit to Croatia by Pope John Paul II and the beatification of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac. “The beatification of Cardinal Stepinac as a martyr of the communist regime is recognition of the Catholic Church. The Holy Father#!s message signifies support of the entire Croatian nation and its democratic state. Therefore, the Pope#!s visit is of far-reaching historical significance. It is a powerful impetus for the democratic development of the Croatian society on the principles of Christian moral values but also a visible sign of the significance and position of Croatia in today#!s world,” said President Tuđman.
In his report, President Tuđman noted the problems confronting the Croatian economy: insufficient manufacture and export, the balance of payments deficit, insufficient liquidity, the crisis in the financial-banking system and the high level of registered unemployment. President Tuđman specifically pointed out the need to improve the material well-being of retired persons and raise pensions, in accordance with realistic possibilities. The report by President Tuđman on the state of the Republic of Croatia contained sections on foreign policy and the international position of Croatia, domestic policy, democratic movements, national security, the economy and government activities.
Representatives of the religious communities active in the Republic of Croatia attended this joint session of the Sabor: retired Archbishop Cardinal Franjo Kuharić of Zagreb and Archbishop Anton Tamarut of Rijeka-Senj on behalf of the Catholic Church, Bishop Vladimir Deutsch on behalf of the Evangelical Church, Archpriest Marinko Juretić on behalf of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Deputy Mufti Aziz ef. Hasanović on behalf of the Islamic community and Chief Rabbi Kotel Dadon on behalf of the Jewish community. Also attending were representatives of the diplomatic corps, led by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giulio Einaudi.