OSCE PROGRESS REPORT FOR CROATIA MORE POSITIVE (PART I)

ZAGREB, July 8 (Hina) - The latest report of the OSCE Mission to Croatia on the country's progress in fulfilling international commitments (Progress Report) was outlined to the media by OSCE Mission chief Peter Semneby Tuesday. #L# Semneby said the report was more positive than the previous ones because of the progress in the areas of legislation and administration, but added that Croatia needed to focus on the implementation of the adopted laws. #L# The OSCE official said this at a news conference, presenting the 12th Progress Report, which will be presented to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna Thursday. The period covered by the report (November 2002-July 2003) was marked by intensified efforts and greater determination on the part of the Croatian government regarding the solving of problems from most areas the OSCE's mandate refers to, Semneby said. This is why the latest Progress Report gives Croatia a better mark, said Semneby, but added that the implementation of most laws was still incomplete and slow. This will be in the focus of the OSCE's attention in the next six-month period until a new report is issued, the OSCE official said. (to be continued..)