ZAGREB, March 31 (Hina) - Croatia's prospects of entering NATO are very good if it persists with reforms, and other potential candidates will not slow it down on that road, Secretary-General George Robertson said in Zagreb on
Monday.
ZAGREB, March 31 (Hina) - Croatia's prospects of entering NATO are
very good if it persists with reforms, and other potential
candidates will not slow it down on that road, Secretary-General
George Robertson said in Zagreb on Monday. #L#
He made the statement at a meeting with Zdravko Tomac, vice
president of the Croatian parliament and chairman of its foreign
affairs committee. Also present were members of that and the
committee on internal affairs and national security.
Robertson said Croatia's prospects were very good if "you keep up
with challenges".
He dismissed the possibility of Croatia becoming "hostage" to its
neighbours, as suggested by Anto Djapic of the Croatian Party of
Rights.
As for 2006 as the year by which Croatia might be ready for full NATO
membership, its secretary-general said it was an interesting date
but that he "cannot specify the timetable".
"You are not quite there yet."
Stating that Croatia had made "impressive" progress over the past
year, Robertson pointed to the need of resuming reforms and meeting
international commitments, including cooperation with the U.N. war
crimes tribunal at The Hague.
As key requirements, Robertson mentioned the reform of the
judiciary, combating crime and corruption, security of data
secrecy, the reform of the armed forces, and refugee returns.
Robertson stressed the need for regional cooperation, saying
Croatia's role in it was crucial. He commended the assistance given
Bosnia and Herzegovina and the settlement of the Prevlaka peninsula
border issue with Serbia and Montenegro.
"NATO will follow these developments and will share experiences to
help."
(hina) ha