ZAGREB, April 4 (Hina) - A 33-page annex on Croatia of an European Commission (EC) report, which was made public in Brussels on Thursday, consists of five sections in which different areas are analysed.
ZAGREB, April 4 (Hina) - A 33-page annex on Croatia of an European
Commission (EC) report, which was made public in Brussels on
Thursday, consists of five sections in which different areas are
analysed. #L#
The section on democracy and the rule of law reads that democratic
institutions in Croatia mostly operate well, but that dialogue
between the government and the Opposition is still difficult. The
implementation of reforms sometimes comes to a stalemate due to
lack of cohesion within the ruling coalition, it is said.
The document also notes an inclination to radicalism which lacks
sufficient public support to threaten stability.
A separate section deals with the situation in the judiciary,
noting lack of more visible progress in judicial reforms, which
directly affects the rule of law's coming into life.
The annex also notes problems in the process of return of Serb
refugees, the public attitude towards them, as well as problems in
their social integration.
The section on the protection of human rights notes that
significant progress has been made in this area, because basic
freedoms have been incorporated in the Constitution and are
generally respected. The attitude towards minorities has improved
with the adoption of some laws, but the legal reform needs to be
completed and fully implemented, the document reads.
Croatia has a key role in the long process of reconciliation and
stabilisation in the region and the Croatian authorities accept
that role, as well as the necessity to normalise relations with
neighbours, this being the crucial element of the whole process.
However, the country is still afraid that closer relations with
neighbours will result in the re-emerging of a regional identity
and weaken its ambitions to integrate with the European Union, it is
noted in the document. Subsequently, the Croatian authorities are
demonstrating an evident lack of enthusiasm with regard to regional
initiatives, the document reads.
Croatian economy has continued to grow in 2001 and the authorities
made a number of difficult decisions aimed at achieving fiscal
stability and modernising economy. However, political problems
have slowed down progress and postponed the implementation of some
structural reforms in 2002, the document reads.
Croatia is making progress in the process of transition to a free
market economy, two-thirds of its economy has been privatised, and
further privatisation has been announced. The share of the black
market in the economy has been reduced to seven percent, it is
noted.
Croatia has the potential to meet the commitments from the Interim
Agreement. The government is working on a strategy of adjustment of
domestic legislation with that of the EU and has already started the
gradual application of adjusted trade-related legislation, the
document reads.
(hina) sb rml