BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (Hina) - The European Union Council of Ministers on Tuesday hailed the way Croatia's parliamentary elections were implemented and called on the new Croatian government to do all that it can to meet the Copenhagen
criteria for membership.
BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (Hina) - The European Union Council of Ministers on
Tuesday hailed the way Croatia's parliamentary elections were
implemented and called on the new Croatian government to do all that
it can to meet the Copenhagen criteria for membership. #L#
The Council hails the fact that Croatia's November 23 parliamentary
elections were implemented regularly and generally in accordance
with international standards, read decisions adopted by the EU
foreign ministers on Tuesday.
In light of drawing up the Commission's opinion about Croatia's
application for EU membership, the Council of Ministers calls on
the new Croatian government to do its best to meet the Copenhagen
criteria and conditions from the Stabilisation and Association
process, the Council said in a statement.
The Council reiterated that three issues remained vital - full
cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the
former Yugoslavia, the return of refugees and the respect of
minority rights.
The EU foreign ministers stress their full support to Croatia's
European orientation, adding that the country's pace on the path to
the EU was in the hands of Croatia.
After the Council's session, the EU ministers started talks with
their counterparts from five Southeast European countries included
in the Stabilisation and Association process within the framework
of the EU-Western Balkans Forum.
Foreign Minister Tonino Picula will represent Croatia at the
forum.
(hina) it sb