CROATIAN PM, FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVE IRISH PARLIAMENT HEAD

ZAGREB, Sept 15 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan and Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Monday separately received the president of the Irish parliament's house of representatives, Rory O'Hanlon. #L# Racan briefed O'Hanlon about the political and economic situation in Croatia. "Elections are ahead of us, but at the end of its term the government has a very difficult and responsible job to do," Racan said, adding that Croatia had to pass some 30 laws over the next month. Racan also spoke about the process of answering queries from a European Union questionnaire, saying he was confident Croatia would be given candidate status. "It is important to maintain the high growth rate and to successfully complete all the reforms that have been started." The PM went on to say that Croatia and Ireland had many similarities facilitating political and economic cooperation. O'Hanlon stressed the two countries had many common interests which expanded ties to many areas, notably tourism. He said Ireland would support Croatia on its road to the EU. In talks with Foreign Minister Picula, O'Hanlon said it was imperative for Croatia to resolve all open issues as soon s possible so as to be able to influence its EU accession date. Picula said Croatia's standing had improved in recent years as a result of steps taken to advance relations, notably with neighbouring countries, as well as of increasingly better economic indicators. Replying to a question from the Irish guest, Picula said the case of Ante Gotovina, the fugitive general wanted by the Hague war crimes tribunal, was the only open issue with regard to EU candidacy. As regards the return of Croatian Serb refugees, the minister said the government was investing considerable effort to close this chapter, including tapping the budget to fund house reconstruction. (hina) ha