ATHENS: PM RACAN SAYS CROATIA WILL INITIAL SAA PROBABLY IN MAY

ATHENS, Feb 28 (Hina) - Croatia will initial a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union probably in May, Prime Minister Ivica Racan said in Athens on Wednesday.#L# He spoke to reporters after meeting Greek counterpart Kostas Simitis and Sweden's Goeran Persson. Persson, whose country currently presides over the EU, was in a brief visit to Greece. "Croatia has reason to be optimistic," Racan said after the 20- minute meeting, adding it was agreed the EU commissioner for foreign affairs, Chris Patten, should come to Zagreb in early April for one of the last rounds of Croatia-EU talks on association. "I expect that a month later I will meet with EU leaders again, including Prime Minister Persson, probably to initial the SAA," said Racan. Today the three prime ministers also addressed the situation in Southeast Europe. Racan and Simitis briefed their Swedish colleague about the efforts Greece and Croatia were making to advance mutual relations. Racan, who ends his visit to Greece today, said the political results of the visit were "absolutely good" and above expectations, and that he was "very pleased" with the economic results as well. Racan and a government delegation were accompanied by 16 businessmen who held intensive talks with Greek partners. (hina) ha