ZAGREB, June 25 (Hina) - Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Monday addressed parliament's foreign affairs committee on the process of Croatia's association with the European Union and NATO, and relations with the United States and
neighbouring countries. Picula recalled that ten years ago today, the Croatian parliament passed a decision on Croatia's independence. He said he was glad he had the chance to make an overview of Croatia's current standing and future commitments on this anniversary. "Access to the European Union and the NATO alliance continue to be the most important directions of Croatia's foreign policy," said the minister. He recalled that on May 14 Croatia initialled a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU which established the steps the government and other state bodies must make to achieve the fundamental objective, full-right membership in the Union. Picula expects the Council o
ZAGREB, June 25 (Hina) - Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Monday
addressed parliament's foreign affairs committee on the process of
Croatia's association with the European Union and NATO, and
relations with the United States and neighbouring countries.
Picula recalled that ten years ago today, the Croatian parliament
passed a decision on Croatia's independence. He said he was glad he
had the chance to make an overview of Croatia's current standing and
future commitments on this anniversary.
"Access to the European Union and the NATO alliance continue to be
the most important directions of Croatia's foreign policy," said
the minister.
He recalled that on May 14 Croatia initialled a Stabilisation and
Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU which established the steps
the government and other state bodies must make to achieve the
fundamental objective, full-right membership in the Union.
Picula expects the Council of Ministers will okay signing the SAA at
its first session in October. In the meantime, Croatian and EU
negotiators will draw up a temporary agreement which should
activate the SAA's economic aspects.
The temporary agreement will be signed simultaneously as the SAA
but become effective immediately. It will represent a sort of
preliminary economic agreement.
The foreign minister said he was content with a report the European
Commission adopted in Goeteburg in connection with the progress of
countries covered by the SAA. He reminded the report mentioned
areas in which additional progress should be made, primarily in
refugee returns, passing a law on the representation of minorities,
full cooperation with the Hague war crimes tribunal, pursuing a
transparent policy towards neighbouring Bosnia, and adopting all
market economy standards.
Speaking about ties with NATO, Picula reminded Croatia entered the
group of candidates for joining in Bratislava last month, whereby
the Vilnius group was expanded to ten countries. Although it does
not meet all requirements, Croatia became a candidate thanks to the
support of some Vilnius members, enabling direct lobbying for full-
right membership in NATO.
According to Picula, many requirements have to be met before
joining, from passing laws on security and intelligence services
and defence, to starting participating in NATO-led activities and
passing a national security strategy.
The foreign minister said that regional cooperation, especially in
economic associations, was as important in integrating into Euro-
Atlantic structures as an individual approach. By participating
more actively, Croatia will indirectly strengthen its standing, as
evidenced by the recent signing of a free trade agreement with the
European Free Trade Association. Picula said the signing of a
similar agreement with the Central European Free Trade Agreement,
probably in October, would be even more influential.
Besides the EU, the U.S. is the most important factor in the region.
Picula said the U.S. might modify its presence in Southeast Europe
but that it would not "disengage."
Speaking about relations with the neighbours, the foreign minister
said Croatia had to become more active in ties with Bosnia. He said
Bosnia was beset by many unresolved issues, for instance the
implementation of a decision proclaiming all three peoples
(Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs) constituent throughout Bosnian
territory, the inability to reach consensus on a permanent
electoral law, and refugee returns.
According to Picukla, it is not known when and how these issues will
be settled, so Croatia should cooperate will all relevant factors
to help find solutions, especially in view of the fact that many
Croats live in Bosnia.
Speaking about Yugoslavia, he said it was in Croatia's interest to
advance relations, especially in view of recent developments which
the international community was applauding.
The issues are nonetheless big, especially regarding borders,
refugee returns, and accountability for war crimes, Picula said,
adding they had urged the government to come up with a platform for
negotiations. "We may expect progress, but I stress that in the
talks there is no symmetrical responsibility between Croatia and
Yugoslavia on any level."
In relations with Slovenia, despite 34 agreements, there are
insurmountable problems in connection with the Piran Bay border and
the Ljubljanska Banka debt to Croatian depositors. Picula said a
model of mutual contacts had been found and started giving results,
but declined to give any details.
Speaking about Macedonia, the foreign minister said the Croatian
government supported Macedonia's efforts and advocated finding a
solution to the problems through political dialogue.
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