PRESIDENT MESIC: VISIT TO GREAT BRITAIN SUCCESSFUL

LONDON, Dec 19 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic told reporters during a meeting with representatives of the British- Croatian Chamber of Commerce in London Wednesday his visit to Great Britain was successful and that cooperation between two countries would intensify. During his visit, Mesic met with Prime Minister Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, Defence Secretary Geoffrey Hoon, and Home Secretary David Blunkett. Mesic told reporters one of the most important things achieved during the visit was Great Britain's support for Croatia's joining Euro-Atlantic institutions. During his talks with British officials, Mesic also addressed the issue of Great Britain cancelling visa requirements for Croatian citizens, but there are no indications for the time being the British authorities would cancel the visa regime that was introduced after around 1,400 Croatian citizens, mostly Serbs, in 1998 and 1999 entered Great Britain seeking political asylum. Queen Elisabeth II received Mesic and his wife at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. Mesic said the talks were very cordial and that the Queen was very well informed about Croatia. He added he had invited the Queen to visit Croatia. (hina) np