MINISTER PICULA SPEAKS WITH EC FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEPUTY DIRECTOR

ZAGREB, May 27 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula met the new European Commission deputy general director for foreign affairs, Michael Leigh, in Cavtat on Tuesday on the margins of a meeting of the Stability Pact Regional Table. The two spoke about Croatia's candidacy for membership of the EU. #L# According to the Croatian Foreign Ministry, Leigh said that the procedure for Croatia's candidacy would be identical to those experienced by all candidate countries. He said the basis for drawing up an opinion were the Copenhagen criteria supplement with specific demands such as co-operation with the Hague Tribunal and the return of refugees. The EC's conclusion, which could be expected next spring, will be based on individual results achieved by Croatia, the press release said. The press release added that the two officials agreed that the coming EU summit in Salonika would be a significant turning point for countries in Southeast Europe on their path to full membership of the EU. The summit should confirm at the highest level that all countries involved in the Stabilisation and Association process will become members of the EU when each country fulfils requirements set before it. (Hina) sp it sb