ATHENS, Feb 21 (Hina) - Prime Minister Ivica Racan in Athens on Friday submitted Croatia's application for EU membership to the chairman of the European Council, Greek Premier Costas Simitis.
ATHENS, Feb 21 (Hina) - Prime Minister Ivica Racan in Athens on
Friday submitted Croatia's application for EU membership to the
chairman of the European Council, Greek Premier Costas Simitis.
#L#
"On behalf of the Republic of Croatia, following the Croatian
Parliamentary Resolution on Croatia's Joining the European Union,
it is our honour to, in line with Article 49 of the Agreement on the
European Union, submit Croatia's application for membership of the
European Union," reads the text of the application which Racan and
President Stjepan Mesic signed in Zagreb on Thursday.
The application was handed over along with Resolution on Croatia's
joining the EU, adopted in December 2002.
The application was also be accompanied by a promotional CD
entitled "RE:member CROATIA". The promotional CD includes speeches
by President Mesic and Premier Racan, specific political
conditions of Croatia's joining the EU, basic data on Croatia and a
video recording on Croatia's tourist and historical heritage.
Racan said in Athens on Friday that Croatia was absolutely aware of
the principles on which the EU was founded -- the principles of
freedom, democracy, the respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms, as well as the rule of law.
The premier said Croatia was devoted to build an efficient economy,
a truly democratic society and the rule of law, but added that
Serbia's aggression in Croatia and its consequences had slowed
Croatia down on that path.
He pointed out the support Croatia received during a lobby tour he
conducted prior to submitting the application. Recent significant
meetings with most senior officials, including today's meeting
with premier Simitis, make us believe that our ambitions are
justified, well-thought-out and timely, the premier said.
Along with Racan, the Croatian delegation also includes Foreign
Minister Tonino Picula, European Integration Minister Neven Mimica
and a government minister Gordana Sabol.
Today's event was covered by about 40 Croatian reporters who
arrived from Zagreb and numerous local and foreign reporters
accredited in Athens.
(hina) it