MINISTER SPEAKS ABOUT GOVERNMENT'S ACHIEVEMENTS

POZEGA, Feb 13 (Hina) - "This government has done a lot, fairly and responsibly, and will continue to work in this fashion," European Integration Minister Neven Mimica said on Wednesday, adding the numerous reforms in the health, education, pension, juridical, and military sectors could not be expected to yield results quickly. The removal of most of the negative legacy has created sound foundations for economic and social development, Mimica said in Pozega at a public panel on the incumbent's governments results in the first two years in office. The minister asserted overcoming the crisis could not be immediate and painless, and that citizens were aware of this. Recalling the issues the government had faced, including a high internal debt, an economy in crisis, the threat of international isolation, and a problematic situation at home, Mimica reminded that in the past two years the government had been accepted as a stable member of the international community. Important headway has also been made towards Croatia's admission to international institutions, creating conditions for business expansion, he added. "Foundations have been set for economic growth, while export- oriented companies have been given an opportunity to appear on new markets. We have also achieved a certain tax relief and reduced taxes in economy," said Mimica, adding state costs would be cut further. (hina) ha sb