GRANIC MEETS PRESIDENT OF NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

ZAGREB, March 21 (Hina) - Croatia's First Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic met NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Rafael Estrelle in Zagreb on Wednesday, the Government's public relations office said in a statement. Estrelle is on an official visit to Croatia between the 20th and 26th of March. Earlier in the day, the NATO official met Sabor Speaker Zlatko Tomcic and the head of Croatia's delegation at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Djurdja Adlesic. He will also meet Croatian President Stjepan Mesic. Between March 22 and 24, Estrelle will participate in the ROSE-ROTH seminar "Security and Stability in Central and South Europe", to be held in the southern town of Dubrovnik. Security in the region is a precondition for Croatia's progress and stability and Croatia wants to contribute to that security, Granic said. Speaking about cooperation with neighbouring countries, the Croatian official said Croatia was interested in democratic neighbours with whom it would develop good overall relations. Stressing that NATO is more than a military organisation in Croatia's perception, Granic said he would like Croatia to raise its democratic and civilisation standards through changes and participate in the security system in the region. Estrelle supported Croatia's efforts to carry out social reforms and develop society as a whole and stressed the successful policy of the Croatian government could serve as an example to all neighbours in the region. (hina) rml