"With his political activity, (Havel) left an indelible mark in the recent history of the Czech Republic as well as of the other European countries which in the 80s and 90s of the last century rose up against communist regimes, introduced the democratic order in their societies and became part of the important project of the united Europe," Kosor said in a note carried by the government's public relations service.

She said Havel "was a true friend of Croatia and the Croatian people, and his contribution to the building of good bilateral relations between our two countries was indeed great," adding that Havel's literary legacy "has indebted us all."