VUKOVAR, March 4 (Hina) - Croatia's government has programmes that contain very clear visions of relations with Europe and the protection of all Croatian citizens, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Louis Michel said
in the eastern town of Vukovar on Thursday.
VUKOVAR, March 4 (Hina) - Croatia's government has programmes that
contain very clear visions of relations with Europe and the protection
of all Croatian citizens, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign
Minister Louis Michel said in the eastern town of Vukovar on
Thursday.#L#
Michel met Vukovar-Srijem County prefect Nikola Safer, Vukovar mayor
Vladimir Stengl, and two representatives of the Serb People's Council,
Vojislav Stanimirovic and Jovan Ajdukovic.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Michel said he was "delighted with
everything I heard from the Croatian officials, the ambitions they
have and their visions".
"I can say I have realised since this morning that there is a clear
will in Croatia to complete the process of peaceful reintegration and
to respect and protect all minorities."
Michel said Belgium would continue to help the reconstruction of the
river port in Vukovar, for which Belgium donated two cranes worth
US700,000 back in 1997. According to port director Tomislav
Mihaljevic, Belgium is willing to finance the repair of one crane with
450,000 euros.
Belgium will also help reconstruct Vukovar's Jirkovsky palace for the
purposes of Osijek University.
Croatian Foreign Minister Miomir Zuzul, who was also in Vukovar, said
Michel's visit "contributed to reinforcing the already very good
relations between the two countries".
"The partnership and special relations between Croatia and Belgium
will provide a basis for building and seeking firm support towards
NATO and the EU," he said.
(Hina) ha sb