ZAGREB, Nov 12 (Hina) - European Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen is due to visit Zagreb on Thursday. His visit has been announced as the continuation of intensive contacts between top Croatian and European officials as part
of preparations for the opinion the European Commission (EC) is due to define concerning Croatia's EU membership application.
ZAGREB, Nov 12 (Hina) - European Enlargement Commissioner Guenter
Verheugen is due to visit Zagreb on Thursday. His visit has been
announced as the continuation of intensive contacts between top
Croatian and European officials as part of preparations for the
opinion the European Commission (EC) is due to define concerning
Croatia's EU membership application. #L#
Verheugen will hold talks with Prime Minister Ivica Racan and
attend a government session dedicated to the assessment of
Croatia's achievements on the road to the European Union.
Verheugen will also meet President Stjepan Mesic and Foreign
Minister Tonino Picula, and give a lecture on Croatia's prospects
in Europe at the hotel Opera.
The EC official should also meet the leaders of some parliamentary
parties.
Announcing his visit, Verheugen said he was coming to Croatia to
elaborate on all aspects of Croatia's admission to the EU. He
dismissed speculation that his arrival had anything to do with
parliamentary elections later this month, saying the EC must not
take sides in elections.
Verheugen is a big advocate of Croatia's admission to the EU.
Croatia is not part of the Western Balkans, and its individual
achievements should place it among the candidates for the next
enlargement round, he said at an international conference in Vienna
last year.
(hina) ha