TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT TJUDMAN OF CROATIA

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the text of the telegram sent by Pope John Paul II to the president of the parliament of Croatia, Vlatko Pavletic, upon the death of the president of the republic, Franjo Tudjman:

"Having learned of the death of His Excellency Franjo Tudjman, president of the Republic of Croatia, I join in the pain felt by the authorities and the entire people. I ask the Lord to give him eternal peace and happiness. and to bring to those close to him the comfort which they need in this moment of trial. In recalling our meetings I salute the memory of this statesman who led Croatia on the path of independence, I hope that the country, at the point of having a new legislature, will continue to build its future while maintaining its stability in promoting peace, justice, unity and dialogue in the heart of the national community and in the region. I ask for an abundance of divine grace upon the family of the deceased, on the country's leaders and on all the inhabitants of Croatia."

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