ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - Croatia will go on along the the path of transition and democracy, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said on Thursday at a traditional reception for representatives of the diplomatic corps in Croatia.
ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - Croatia will go on along the the path of
transition and democracy, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said on
Thursday at a traditional reception for representatives of the
diplomatic corps in Croatia.#L#
Mesic said he would continue to use his influence for the development
of both democratic and economic processes and make efforts for Croatia
to be identified and recognised as a country ready to cooperate with
its neighbours, European states and all other partners outside
Europe.
Mesic and his wife Milka gave a reception in the presidential
residence on the occasion of Christmas and New Year's holiday for
ambassadors and military envoys accredited to Croatia, as well as for
representatives of the UN, the EU and other international bodies.
Speaking about the year 2003 , Mesic commented on the recently
implemented parliamentary elections and added that along with the
newly-elected government he would continue to pursue the goals the
Croatian voters entrusted them with, adding that he hoped to be
successful in their accomplishment. These goals are transition
reforms, revitalisation of the economy and raising the standard of
living.
Saying that last year was clearly "a European year" in which ten
countries in transition have fully completed their preparations for
the European Union's enlargement, the Croatian president stressed that
"Croatia made some major breakthroughs in 2003 towards the status that
will enable the start of negotiations and a full harmonisation of all
segments of society with European Union standards".
Speaking about the rights of refugees and displaced persons to return
and the right to restitution of their property, re-establishment of
trust among returnees and other ethnic communities, particularly the
protection of minorities and minority standards, president Mesic said
: "I am confident that I shall, together with the new government,
successfully close those still open chapters that are definitely
consequences of circumstances of the past decade".
Mesic stressed Croatia's readiness to cooperate with the international
community, the neighbouring countries and the southeast of Europe, as
well as Croatia's interest in strengthening the role of the United
Nations.
On behalf of the diplomatic corps, apostolic nuncio Francisco-Javier
Losano thanked the president and his wife for the invitation to the
traditional reception and expressed his best wishes for Christmas and
New Years.
He wished Croatia progress, stability, the achievement of the set
goals and full integration with Europe.
The reception was also attended by Croatian parliament president
Vladimir Seks, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, Foreign Minister Miomir
Zuzul and European Integration Minister Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic.
(Hina) it sb