CROATIAN, HUNGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS TALK IN BUDAPEST

BUDAPEST, May 29 (Hina) - Croatia's Foreign Minister Tonino Picula and Hungarian counterpart Janos Martony discussed in Budapest on Tuesday Croatia's access to the CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement), bilateral relations, and security in the region. Picula arrived in the Hungarian capital to attend a session of the Euroatlantic Partnership Council, which comprises NATO countries and those participating in NATO's Partnership for Peace programme. Given that Croatia is a member of the World Trade Organisation, has signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union, and has or is about to initial agreements with CEFTA countries, Picula voiced hope Croatia would be admitted to the CEFTA in Bucharest this September. In this Croatia enjoys Hungary's support. The two foreign ministers also discussed the enforcement of a free trade agreement which came into force three months ago. Picula urged the Hungarian government to re-examine a decision banning the import of Croatia meat. Picula and Martony agreed work was proceeding well on the construction of infrastructure that should connect the two countries. They also talked about Hungarian investments in the northern Adriatic port of Rijeka. Discussing security in the region, the two officials paid special attention to Macedonia. They concluded their governments supported Macedonia's government of national unity, and voiced hope the violence would stop and political dialogue begin. (hina) ha sb