RECEPTION ON OCCASION OF 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CROATIA'S RECOGNITION

ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Tuesday gave a reception for members of the government, parliament, the Croatian Army, the Church and the diplomatic corps, on the occasion of Christmas and New Year holidays and the tenth anniversary of Croatia's international recognition. Greeting the Croatian officials and diplomats, the head of state said this year, too, he would invite them to support Croatia's policy. Mesic stressed Croatia's orientation was democracy, Europe, civil law and the rule-of-law, which resulted in Croatia's membership in the Partnership for Peace programme, the imminent admission to NATO's Membership Action Plan (MAP), membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union. Mesic stressed "a United Europe was not only our wish but also our destiny." He also pointed to the need for regional cooperation and Croatia's readiness to develop that cooperation and promote relations with all neighbouring countries. "We are also aware of the need to fulfil our international obligations," Croatia's head of state said. According to him, economic recovery is Croatia's priority. Mesic stressed one could not be satisfied with the current pace of the economic recovery. "We are responsible, too, because we behave in an inert and bureaucratic manner when it comes to opening up to foreign capital which is ready to arrive in Croatia," Mesic stressed. Apostolic nuncio Giuliano Einaudi held a speech on behalf of the diplomatic corps in Croatia. He congratulated Croatia on its successes and achievements in its internal policy and international relations, but also expressed concern about peace in today's world which was disturbed by tragic circumstances and conflicts triggered off by the September 11 terrorist attack. (hina) it sb