CROATIAN-FINNISH RELATIONS ARE EXCELLENT: MINISTER PICULA

HELSINKI, Feb 20 (Hina) - Political relations between Croatia and Finland are excellent, and additional stimulation should be given to Croatian business initiatives, Croatian Foreign Minister said in Helsinki on Wednesday after a meeting with his Finnish counterpart, Erkki Tuomioj. Picula informed his host about the present situation in the region, especially Croatia. "Among our biggest achievements is our Euro-agenda," Picula said, recalling that Croatia had signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Finland. The SAA gives Croatia a chance to adjust to European standards by 2006. Picula said he was convinced Croatia would enter the European Union "a lot earlier than the end of the decade". Croatia is still facing the completion of reforms in the economy, Picula said. However, progress cannot happen in any region without political stability in the entire South-East Europe. Croatia is, thus, dedicating a large part of its foreign policy to assisting neighbouring countries to become more democratic, progressive and stable, but is not doping so wilfully, but in cooperation with the international community which is engaged in the same direction, Picula said. Croatia and Finland completely support the fight against international terrorism, since it presents a danger to the entire world, but both stress that the need for preserving democratic standards or individual and collective human rights should not be overlooked. (hina) lml