GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF SAA

ZAGREB, Nov 28 (Hina) - A report on the implementation of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in October show that Croatia is on the right track to compensate some delays from previous months in the fulfilment of its obligations stipulated by the SAA, signed by Zagreb and the European Union, the Croatian European Integration Minister, Neven Mimica, said at the government's session. #L# The minister on Thursday pointed to the "campaign led by Euro- sceptics", and their attempts to create the impression that Croatia was lagging behind on the path towards Europe. He told the government that indicators of falling behind could be found neither in Croatia nor in the European Union. Mimica spoke of some important data for future plans. Croatia might officially apply for EU membership in the first half of 2003, and negotiations on full membership could wrap up in 2007. Croatia is planning to become a EU member in the second round of the Union's expansion, he added. Vice Premier Goran Granic suggested that Croatia together with Romania and Bulgaria set up an interest coalition to facilitate bids to define a favourable date for Croatia's admission to the Union. (hina) ms sb