Mesic said that this year, Christmas, which he described as a holiday ofgiving, would not be an occasion for many in Croatia to give presents to theirdearest ones due to financial difficulties.

Instead of joy and happiness, the holiday will be imbued by a mood ofhopelessness and defeatism, Mesic said in his address, stressing that he wasaware of high unemployment and job losses.

In such times, faith offers hope and a foothold to true believers, thepresident said, adding that both believers and other citizens of Croatia"must not forget that those who are leading the country, including himselfas the head of state, are not 'God-sent' office-holders".

"It is you who elected us, you entrusted us to lead you, you placedyour confidence in us, and you can withdraw it, too," Mesic said,recalling that in four days' time citizens will have a new opportunity todecide on who will be at the helm of the country in the next five years.

"Don't miss that opportunity," Mesic said, warning that votersshould not be misled by candidates who were making promises they would not beable to live up to.

"Opt for a candidate who has convinced you that he or she has thestrength and resolve to implement what is necessary in order to pull Croatiaout of the current unenviable situation," the outgoing president said,wishing a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all.

The first round of presidential elections is scheduled for 27 December.

If none of the 12 candidates, as expected, wins 50 percent of the castballots, a run-off between the two top vote-getters will be held on 10 January.

The second and last five-year term of President Mesic expires in February.