"We took the opportunity and showed (to all most important political factions) everything Croatia has done since the March decision which postponed the (EU entry) negotiations and we expect that all those efforts will be appropriately evaluated," Sanader told Croatian reporters.
"At this moment it would be inappropriate of me, as the prime minister, to make any estimates. We can only say that Croatia has done what it was expected to and now it is up to the EU to make the final assessment."
Asked to say how realistic it was to expect entry negotiations to be launched next week, Sanader said it was not up to him to make such estimates and reiterated that Croatia could only say it had done everything.
"I appeal to our public, given that in the past it was often disappointed because we didn't start the negotiations, not to be too optimistic now either but to wait for the EU decision with a cool head," said Sanader.
He added that as the prime minister, his primary concern was to present Croatia to the world as a mature democracy, a member of the international community which knew its commitments and applied European standards although it did not yet have a formal confirmation of European Union membership.
"Whatever the decision, Croatia carries on," Sanader said.
One of the many officials he met in Strasbourg was European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, who today confirmed his high opinion of EU admission candidate Turkey.
Asked if Rehn was as enthusiastic about the launching of entry talks with Croatia as he was with Turkey, Sanader said they both agreed that Croatia and Turkey were two separate cases and should not be compared by anything.
"Neither by enthusiasm?" a reporter asked, to which Sanader heartily laughed and said "You said that".
Sanader wrapped up his visit to Strasbourg by meeting Council of Europe Secretary-General Terry Davis.