ZAGREB, Dec 19 (Hina) - Croatia's parliament late on Wednesday adopted a resolution on association with the European Union urging the government to apply for full membership by the end of February next year and designating full
membership as a strategic national goal.
ZAGREB, Dec 19 (Hina) - Croatia's parliament late on Wednesday
adopted a resolution on association with the European Union urging
the government to apply for full membership by the end of February
next year and designating full membership as a strategic national
goal. #L#
The resolution was supported by 111 MPs, while one abstained from
the vote.
Parliament also adopted a national programme of association with
the EU as proposed by the government, as well as several
conclusions.
With 77 votes in favour, 34 against, and one abstention, parliament
endorsed a proposed stand-by agreement with the International
Monetary Fund, recommending the government sign it.
Parliament thus wrapped up its 27th, extraordinary session, as well
as another extraordinary one, the 28th, when in a matter of minutes
it endorsed several previously debated bills, thus completing its
work for this year.
In the resolution on association with the EU, parliament reaffirms
Croatia's commitment to having admission to the Union based on an
individual approach and achievements.
The resolution reads that Croatia's heritage, culture, and
geopolitical position place it in the Central European and
Mediterranean group of countries, and that Croatia wishes to make
an active contribution to international community and EU efforts
towards political stability and lasting peace in Europe's south-
east.
Parliament has decided that, systematically and by agreement of
parliamentary parties, it will fully adjust Croatia's legislative
system with EU standards and acquis communautaire.
Parliament has also decided its work should focus on the
achievement of the final goal - Croatia's admission to the EU.
Parliament expresses full commitment to European integration
processes by EU integration principles, particularly those
relating to the respect of diversity, partnership, equality, and
the preservation of each people's national identity.
Parliament expects that the European Parliament, institutions, and
EU nations will acknowledge the consensus and determination of all
political factors in Croatia regarding association with the EU as
presented in the resolution on association.
Parliament also adopted several conclusions envisaging, among
other things, that parliament will set up a task force which should
upgrade its work in view of expediting Croatia's integration into
the EU.
Parliament should next convene after January 15.
(hina) ha