ZAGREB, Oct 18 (Hina) - Speaking about a plan for the implementation of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Croatia and the EU at Thursday's government session, Prime Minister Ivica Racan said there was no better or more
natural association which Croatia could join.
ZAGREB, Oct 18 (Hina) - Speaking about a plan for the implementation
of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Croatia and
the EU at Thursday's government session, Prime Minister Ivica Racan
said there was no better or more natural association which Croatia
could join. #L#
The government today adopted a set of decisions and conclusions
confirming what has been achieved so far in the process of
rapprochement with the EU and enabling further moves.
"This government is not idealising the European Union, we are all
aware that it is an organisation which has many problems, but no one
can see a more natural and better association for Croatia to join,"
Racan said.
European Integration Minister Neven Mimica said that the year 2006
was the final deadline for the fulfilment of all obligations
necessary for a full EU membership application. He added that 70% of
the obligations should be fulfilled by 2002 and 2003.
The minister also clarified dilemmas which appeared recently in
relation to the role of the Council for Stabilisation and
Association. The Council will in no case have the powers some media
and part of the public have been speculating about nor will it be
superior to the parliament and domestic legislation, he said.
Decisions adopted by the Council and a provisional committee will
be adjusted to Croatian laws, he said.
A Vice-Premier and head of a body coordinating talks between
Croatia and the EU, Goran Granic, said the signing of the SAA on
October 29 and its subsequent ratification in parliament would
complete the process of institutionalising relations with the EU
and open "a much more difficult process of reform of the Croatian
state and society."
"It is our goal to reform Croatia until 2006 regardless of when we
will be admitted to the EU as a full-right member," Granic said.
The government today adopted a Conclusion on Talks on a Provisional
Agreement, which includes the part of the SAA referring to trade,
and goes into force on January 1, 2002, as well as a decision to
initiate the conclusion of this deal so that it could be signed
simultaneously with the SAA on October 29 in Brussels.
The government has also adopted a decision on the adjustment of
domestic legislation with "acquis communautaire", which will bind
all ministries to as of December 1 have charts on the level of
adjustment of laws from their respective fields with adequate
European legal norms.
The government named Mimica national coordinator for programmes of
assistance and cooperation with the EU. The government also decided
to establish a permanent working group for monitoring entire
foreign assistance Croatia is receiving and a central unit for
funding and agreements at the Finance Ministry for the
implementation of the CARDS programme.
(hina) sb rml