CRO TO APPLY FOR EU MEMBERSHIP AFTER IT PROVES IT CAN IMPLEMENT SAA

LUXEMBOURG, Oct 29 (Hina) - Croatian will file a request for full membership in the European Union after it shows that it can successfully implement a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), signed in Luxembourg on Monday, Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said. "We, who signed the SAA today, are aware that by the signing of the SAA we have expressed the historical aspiration of the Croatian people to be included in the European community of nations and states," Racan told reporters after the signing of the agreement. The Prime Minister reiterated that the EU should not be idealised, adding, however, there was no better and more natural place for Croatia. The SAA, which will enable a gradual establishment of a free trade zone between Croatia and the EU, will pose a great challenge to the most vital part of Croatia's economy, namely showing it is able to benefit and survive in the European competition, Racan stressed. Racan reiterated Croatia accepted regional cooperation, but not regional fate. "We do not accept regional frameworks on the road to the EU, and fear is unnecessary, the Prime Minister said. Racan also expressed hope the SAA would have a positive role also in the regulations of relations with Slovenia. "I am an optimist regardless of the fact that at this moment we have certain problems in the realisation of cooperation between the two countries," Racan said. (hina) it sb