MINISTERS SPEAK ABOUT GOVT. RESULTS AND TASKS ACROSS CROATIA

ZAGREB, Feb 15 (Hina) - Ministers in the Croatian government have been touring the country these days and speaking about results the government accomplished within the past two years and tasks it is yet to accomplish by the end of its mandate. During a visit to Istria County, Croatian European Integration Minister Neven Mimica presented the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Croatia and the European Union. He said the idea of a united Europe would be based on regional cooperation so that the citizens at a local level experience the advantages of unifying. Istrian Prefect Ivan Jakovcic expressed satisfaction with cooperation so far with the European Integration Ministry, and said Istria was the first to begin the European integration process, which has been confirmed by its long-term membership at the European regional assembly, and successful regional cooperation across Europe. Foreign Minister Tonino Picula in Virovitica held talks with the councillors of the Virovitica-Podravina County government and assembly, and representatives of towns and municipalities. He said the government was on a good path and that it would fulfil what it had promised at the beginning of the mandate. Picula told reporters the issue of Croatia's entering European associations was rare in that is has the government's and people's consensus, adding 80% of citizens favoured entering European associations. Presenting the government's work in the past two years at a meeting at the University of Osijek chancellor's office, Science and Technology Minister Hrvoje Kraljevic said that after a period of international isolation and unstable rule-of-law, Croatia became a recognised member of the international community and a responsible partner. In talks with representatives of the local government in Osijek, Kraljevic said the incumbent government was "a government of reforms aiming at creating conditions for a better life for all its citizens, which needed time". Kraljevic particularly spoke about the reform of higher education in line with European standards. Speaking at a press conference in Dubrovnik, Health Minister Andro Vlahusic said the government's most significant achievements in the first half of the mandate included Croatia's integration into the international community, and "the accomplished social peace between the government and unions". He spoke about economic results and stressed several project were under way to solve the biggest problem of unemployment. Deputy Defence Minister Zlatko Gareljic talked to local officials in Zadar about the situation in the Defence Ministry and the defence system. He announced a thorough reform of the defence system would begin in April. He also said the military budget was decreased by 30 percent, in relation to 1999, and the number of employed by 3,500. He added the maintenance of military technology and facilities was the same or even better than before. The number of employed will be cut by 16,000, he said, adding the programmes of care for the redundant have been prepared. Gareljic also explained the need to put up new radars for the protection of sea and air space, and added this was stipulated by international conventions. He also said hazardous effects of radar systems were minimal. (hina) np sb