AUSTRIA SUPPORTS CROATIA ON ITS PATH TO EU - FOREIGN MINISTER

VIENNA, Sept 1 (Hina) - Austria supports Croatia's efforts to join the European Union, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero- Waldner said on Monday. #L# "Southeastern Europe is very important for Austria, which advocates expansion of the European Union and supports Romania and Bulgaria which will join the EU in 2007," Ferrero-Waldner told a news conference in Vienna before a traditional three-day conference for Austrian ambassadors. "Austria particularly supports Croatia on its path to the EU. Austria and Croatia have strong cultural and economic bonds," the minister said. Speaking of Austria's foreign policy priorities, Ferrero-Waldner said it was very important to achieve stability in Southeastern Europe. Austria supports the implementation of reforms in the countries of Southeastern Europe and their efforts to get closer to the EU. This will depend on their ability to adjust to European standards and criteria, she said. "Austria supports EU expansion ... because it will contribute to the stability of the Old Continent," the Austrian foreign minister said. (hina) vm