BRUSSELS, Feb 26 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic requested in Brussels on Thursday that a separate body for relations with Croatia be set up during the next European Parliament, instead of the existing one which is in charge
of relations with the entire Southeast Europe.
BRUSSELS, Feb 26 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic requested in
Brussels on Thursday that a separate body for relations with Croatia
be set up during the next European Parliament, instead of the existing
one which is in charge of relations with the entire Southeast
Europe.#L#
Addressing European MPs, Mesic proposed the forming of the said body
in the new composition of the European Parliament.
Such a decision would be in line with an individual approach and
confirm a new, more advanced phase of Croatia-EU relations, It would
also facilitate the strengthening of dialogue between the Croatian
Sabor and the European Parliament., Mesic said.
At the helm of the European Parliament's delegation for Southeast
Europe is a Democratic Christian deputy from Germany Doris Pack.
During a 30-minute-long speech Mesic said membership of the European
Union was Croatia's main objective on the foreign political front. He
said Croatia was aware of its obligations which are the criteria for
EU membership.
"I would like to state clearly that we are entirely aware that we have
to meet our obligations. We are working on public administration
reform, the adjustment of our legislation and the inclusion of all
potentials in the process of adjusting the system. I assure you that
we want to cooperate with the Hague tribunal and continue to work on
the return of refugees, judiciary reform, the protection of minorities
and regional cooperation," the Croatian president stressed.
His statement that the Hague tribunal facilitated the
individualisation of guilt was applauded by parliamentarians.
Mesic said Croatia followed a debate in the EU on the new constitution
and new financial framework for the 2006-2012 period with great
interest. I would especially like to point to the need for foreseeing
appropriate financial funds which would enable candidate countries to
draw closer and integrate with the EU, Mesic.
Mesic said he expected the European Parliament to support Croatia's
drawing closer to the EU "I am convinced that, while writing
recommendations to the Council of Ministers regarding Croatia's
application for EU membership, the European Parliament would recognise
progress Croatia made in meeting the Copenhagen and other relevant
criteria, as well as reform processes which are being implemented in
the country," Mesic said.
Before Mesic's speech, the European Parliament observed a minute of
silence in tribute to Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski who was
killed earlier today in a plane crash.
Before Mesic took the speaker's floor, Italian deputy Mario Borghezio
of Liga Nord (Northern Alliance) started shouting "Why don't you
respect the Italian minority in Istria, Dalmatia, Rijeka and Zadar".
Liga Nord is one of the parties in the European Parliament which does
not have a club of deputy. European Parliament President Pat Cox
called for peace and dignity and Mesic continued his speech.
Cox also extended condolences on the death of the Macedonian president
to his family and the entire Macedonian people.
(Hina) it sb