TOMCIC: GREAT BRITAIN SUPPORTS CROATIA'S EUROPEAN AMBITIONS

CARDIFF, July 8 (Hina) - Great Britain supports Croatia's European ambitions and solving the case of General Gotovina will fully mend the two countries' relations, Croatian Parliament President Zlatko Tomcic said in Cardiff on Tuesday. #L# Tomcic's visit to the Welsh capital is part of his working visit to Great Britain. "The case of General Gotovina was mentioned at yesterday's talks in London," Tomcic said. He said that British officials positively assessed the latest developments regarding the Gotovina case. "There is no direct connection between the ratification of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and the solution of the Gotovina case, but it is my feeling that solving that case would improve our relations," Tomcic said. In October last year Great Britain froze the process of ratification of the SAA between Croatia and the European Union due to the Bobetko case. "I believe that after these talks there is a realistic chance that the SAA will be sent into procedure in the British parliament very soon. I sincerely believe that the cancellation of visa requirements will be discussed soon as well," Tomcic said. "This visit has contributed to dismantling stereotypes about the British policy towards Croatia," Tomcic said, adding that "Great Britain has no reservations whatsoever towards Croatia's strategic goals - admission to the EU and NATO". (hina) rml sb