CROATIA PREMIER, COE SECRETARY-GENERAL HOLD TALKS

ZAGREB March 4 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan on Tuesday received Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer who voiced confidence the EU would reply to Croatia's application for full membership as soon as possible, the government's public relations office said in a statement. #L# Schwimmer said membership of the EU would be of great assistance to Croatia in its integration with European structures. Croatia's premier stressed good experiences in the cooperation between Croatia and the Council of Europe so far, the statement said. Racan also singled out Croatia's genuine intentions regarding the fulfilling of its obligations towards the Council in order to successfully complete post-monitoring dialogue. The Croatian official acquainted the secretary-general of the oldest European institution with the current economic and political situation in Croatia and said the country was still to face numerous difficult tasks including the return of refugees and detained persons. So far, some 100,000 citizens of Serb nationality have returned to Croatia, the premier said. Schwimmer said the Council of Europe appreciated and supported the adoption of a constitutional law on the rights of minorities and the law on Croatian Radio Television, which, according to him, will have a positive impact on future dialogue between Croatia and European institutions. He said Croatia was a good example to other countries in the region, particularly regarding cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal at The Hague and the protection of the rights of national minorities, the statement said. (hina) it