RACAN: RELATIONS WITH FRANCE LAG BEHIND THOSE WITH REST OF EUROPE

PARIS, May 13 (Hina) - Relations between Croatia and France are lagging behind Croatia's relations with other European countries, Prime Minister Ivica Racan told Croatian reporters upon his arrival in Paris on Sunday. Racan is on a working visit to France, during which he will meet his counterpart Lionel Jospin. "Relations between Zagreb and Paris are lagging behind Croatia's relations with Europe," Racan said adding that "balance in Croatia- Europe relations has been established" since last year's January election. It seems that the Croatian policy was previously oriented more toward Vienna, Berlin and Washington although some blame for that also goes to France, which used to by-pass Zagreb to the benefit of Belgrade," he said. "I hope this short visit to France will help improve our relations," he added. Apart from bilateral issues, Racan and his host Jospin will also discuss France's relationship toward South-East Europe and its view on the enlargement of the European Union. The Croatian premier started his visit to Paris with a meeting with prominent Croatians who live and work in France. University professor Marc Gnjidara, scientist Miroslav Radman, artist Radovan Ivsic, the president of the Association of Croatian Alumni, Jadranka Stahan Quiot, and the coordinator of the Croat Supplementary School 'Bartol Kasic', Ivanka Jardin, discussed with Racan ways in which they could contribute to improving relations between the two countries. Premier Racan arrived in Paris with Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic. "Like the French, we, too, are dissatisfied with our trade relations and must see to their improvement," Racan said. Croatia's last year exports to France amounted to USD 126 million whereas the imports amounted to USD 436 million. Racan will tomorrow hold a lecture on Croatia-France relations, the situation in the region and development in Croatia at the French Institute for International Relations. (hina) rml