CROATIA'S PICULA, COUNCIL OF EUROPE'S SCHWIMMER HOLD TALKS

ZAGREB, March 3 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula held talks in Zagreb on Monday with Council of Europe Secretary- General Walter Schwimmer, discussing Croatia's recent application for European Union membership, the situation in the region, and Iraq. #L# Schwimmer arrived today in his first official visit to Croatia during which he will hold talks with the most senior officials. "I informed the Council of Europe secretary-general about Croatia's application for full EU membership. Cooperation with the Council has proved to be one of the most important mechanisms for all transition countries which, by cooperating with this institution prepared to meet conditions to join the EU," Picula said after the talks. He was hopeful the current post-monitoring process over Croatia might be discontinued in May when Croatia would welcome representatives of Europe's oldest political organisation. Picula said Croatia attached great importance to regional cooperation, as evidenced by his upcoming meetings with his counterparts from all countries participating in the Stabilisation and Association Process. "That is yet another clear proof that Croatia's EU application does not mean our separation from Southeast Europe," said Picula. "I think Croatia is on a very good way of full integration into European structures," said Schwimmer. He added Zagreb must now play a very active role in regional cooperation as, he said, "in this new political architecture of Europe...not every question can be solved on the European level". All countries in the region must fully cooperate with the Hague tribunal, he said, stating that the last hurdle to the admission of Serbia and Montenegro to the Council of Europe would be when all Council members saw that Belgrade cooperated with the U.N. court. Discussing the Iraqi crisis, Picula and Schwimmer concluded that all diplomatic efforts to settle the issue peacefully had not yet been used. (hina) ha sb