CRO. GOVT. ISSUES STATEMENT ON INITIALLING OF SAA WITH EU

BRUSSELS, May 14 (Hina) - On the occasion of the initialling of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union, the Croatian government on Monday issued a statement which was distributed at the EU Council of Ministers.#L# In the statement the Croatian government expresses satisfaction with the successful completion of negotiations and the initialling of the SAA. Bearing in mind that Croatia's chief strategic goal is membership in the EU, today we begin a new period in mutual relations, the statement reads. The signing of the Agreement will provide the first contractual regulation of relations, based on Croatia's individual achievements. The government believes the SAA represents a balanced reflection of the strategic interests and goals of both sides, and is confident Croatia, by implementing it, will fortify its position as a reliable and credible partner to the EU. The SAA is a key instrument that will contribute to the implementation of political, economic, legislative and social reforms necessary for Croatia to reach European standards and criteria as soon as possible, the statement reads. The government believes the association established by the SAA will provide for a gradual integration of Croatia into the EU and help Croatia join the EU enlargement process. Association with the EU will contribute to the further promotion of democracy, the protection of human and minority rights and freedoms, the strengthening of the rule of law, the functioning of market economy, and a general social and economic prosperity for the Croatian people, the statement read. Croatia is resolute to implement the SAA to strengthen stability and further develop good neighbourly relations in the region as part of the European integration process, the statement concluded. (hina) ha