CROATIAN DELEGATION LEAVES CRANS MONTANA

CRANS MONTANA, June 30 (Hina) - A Croatian delegation headed by President Stjepan Mesic left Switzerland's Crans Montana on Sunday morning where it took part in the 13th, three-day business- political Crans Montana Forum. #L# Croatia attended this year's event as a guest. Officials of the ministries of tourism, European integration, public works, economy, and foreign affairs took part in panel debates on European Union and NATO enlargement, Croatia's ambitions in this regard, as well as Croatia's economic potential. The National Tourist Board presented the domestic offer. President Mesic held several bilateral meetings, took part in a debate on EU expansion to South Eastern Europe, and was the recipient of the annual Crans Montana Forum Foundation award for outstanding achievement in the promotion of peace, democracy, and international cooperation. Prior to leaving the Swiss Alpine resort, Mesic met the US human rights fighter Jesse Jackson. Talks addressed the struggle against terrorism and developments in Europe's south-east. European Integration Minister Neven Mimica concluded Croatia's participation in the Swiss forum by participating in a panel debate on security and cooperation in South Eastern Europe. Mimica said Croatia supported both bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the region but only for the purpose of a faster inclusion in the EU and on an individual basis. Lasting reconciliation and cooperation in the Balkans is possible only within the framework of the EU, he said. The 13th Crans Montana Forum ends this afternoon with a panel debate on the future of the Middle East. (hina) ha