ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan on Monday spoke with the World Bank Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia, Johannes F. Linn, who arrived in Croatia for a three-day visit.
ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan on
Monday spoke with the World Bank Vice-President for Europe and
Central Asia, Johannes F. Linn, who arrived in Croatia for a three-
day visit. #L#
The government's public relations office said in a statement that
both officials had expressed great satisfaction with co-operation
to date, which was assessed to be at a high level.
Premier Racan said that the government was determined to implement
the reforms that had been started as well as those that were yet to
be launched, including the reform of the state administration, the
judiciary and the education system, despite the fact that it was
advised not to commence reforms in the fourth quarter of its
mandate.
Reforms are vital even though they may be difficult and unpleasant,
Racan said, adding that the government had not managed to win the
battle for the public opinion because many reforms were already
yielding positive results, however, information on that was not
given adequate media coverage.
Linn expressed support for the Croatian government and its efforts
to implement reforms and stated that the World Bank would assist
Croatia in its endeavours to access Euro-Atlantic associations.
The World Bank is currently working on a document which will include
information on obligations and costs regarding admission to the
European Union, he said.
Linn stated that it would soon become evident that the expansion of
the EU was not only possible but necessary.
Premier Racan also spoke about investments into the
infrastructure, particularly the construction of highways. The
project is very important for Croatia and is already yielding
positive results which initially were not counted on, Racan said,
referring to the development of business and industrial zones along
highways.
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