CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS INT. HIGH REPRESENTATIVE TO BOSNIA

SARAJEVO, March 4 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Tuesday stated in Sarajevo that during his two-day visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina he would inform local officials in detail of Croatia's application for full membership to the European Union and added that this would also an opportunity to analyse the bilateral relations between these two countries. #L# Upon his arrival in Sarajevo, Picula first spoke with the High Representative for Bosnia, Paddy Ashdown. Following the meeting the British diplomat told reporters he thanked Minister Picula and the Croatian government for their exceptionally constructive approach to issues in Bosnia. He also said that he and Minister Picula had discussed measures relevant to Croatia's accession to the EU and infrastructure projects and regional co-operation. The Croatian minister pointed out how his country's application for the entry into the EU had a bearing on the situation in the region. Croatia and Bosnia are part of the same process that should lead to full membership to the EU, Picula told journalists, adding that it was time for new forms of co-operation because with the admission of Slovenia and Hungary to the EU, Europe has virtually arrived in this region. Commenting on the current state in relations between Zagreb and Sarajevo, Picula reminded of the fact that the two countries had signed about seventy different agreements until now. That is at the same time a guarantee that the remaining unresolved issues will be solved, he said. Responding to questions by reporters, Picula confirmed that Croatia remained interested in joining in the pan-European traffic corridor, including the C5 that should connect Budapest and the Croatian seaport of Ploce through Bosnia. (hina) sp ms sb