"The year 2004 will be remembered for exceptionally important achievements that have confirmed Croatia's international reputation and European orientation. Last week's decision of the European Council to set March 17, 2005 as the date for the start of Croatia-EU entry talks is the crown of our efforts to see Croatia integrate with the European family of democratic and equal countries, but it is also an encouragement to continue with the reforms that have been initiated so far.
"Preparing for membership in the European Union is a long and deep process covering the entire society. It will cover all Croatian citizens who in the long run will benefit the most from EU membership. However, for reforms to be successful, they must be implemented consistently and be truly accepted... Tolerance, readiness to listen to and tolerate different arguments, well-argumented presentation of one's own ideas and the acceptance of compromises are not only the tenets of parliamentary democracy, but primarily the way how the EU functions and the only acceptable way of thinking in the civilised world," Seks said in the message.
The Sabor Speaker sent Christmas and New Year messages also to the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanic, and the apostolic nuncio in Croatia, Francisco Javier Lozano.