BLAIR: EU MEMBERSHIP PROSPECTS CONTRIBUTE TO CROATIA'S REFORMS

ZAGREB, Dec 4 (Hina) - Changes in Croatia and elsewhere in the region are significant, and the prospects of joining the European Union are helping Croatia continue with the necessary reforms, British Prime Minister Tony Blair told a BBC programme, the British Embassy in Zagreb reported Wednesday. #L# It is very exciting for countries like Croatia, even if this is not the imminent future, to have an opportunity to draw closer to the EU because this helps the carrying out of difficult changes necessary to overcome the legacy of the past, Blair said in reply to a question by a Croatian listener in an on-air conversation, the transcript of which was sent to Hina by the British Embassy in Zagreb. Ten central and eastern European countries will soon join the Union, and, according to Blair, that would be a fantastic change for Europe. All those who satisfy the criteria for membership will join the EU, Blair said. Everyone must satisfy entry criteria. And once ... the criteria are satisfied, it happens, said Blair, wishing Croatia success on that path. (hina) lml sb