CROATIAN HEAD OF STATE RECEIVES FORMER GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER

ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Tuesday received a former German foreign minister, Hans Dietrich Genscher, as part of activities marking the tenth anniversary of Croatia's international recognition. We have evoked our memories of the time when I, as the last President of the former Yugoslavia, had contacts with the then Minister Genscher and when I was aware that the only way out of the situation was for Yugoslav republics to gain independence. Germany played one of the most important roles in Croatia's recognition and minister Genscher was one of the key figures," Mesic said after the talks. Congratulating Croatia on the 10th anniversary of its international recognition, Genscher reminded that the European Union's unanimous recognition of Croatia and Slovenia had been crucial in prompting the entire international community to do the same. A peaceful transfer of authority at the last elections shows that Croatia is on the path to real democracy. I firmly believe that the coexistence, which we in the EU enjoy, is also possible in this part of Europe and that such prospects must be open to all former Yugoslav countries. Every nation and country must know that once they meet the necessary conditions they can become EU members. Croatia has proved that it has efficient democratic structures and that it has made significant economic progress and I wish you a lot of success on the road to the European Union, Genscher said after talks with Mesic. (hina) it