PAVLETIC HOLDS TALKS WITH EUROPEAN COMMISSION CHAIRMAN PRODI

ZAGREB, Jan 14 (Hina) - The democracy and transparency of recent parliamentary elections and a speedy transfer of authority should urge the president of the European Commission (EC) to relay to competent bodies an opinion which will change the attitude of the European Union (EU) to Croatia, Croatian parliament president and acting head of state Vlatko Pavletic said in Zagreb on Friday. Pavletic spoke to the press after talks with EC chairman Romano Prodi, who is visiting Croatia and is to hold talks with future Croatian prime minister Ivica Racan, and Archbishop of Zagreb Josip Bozanic. Pavletic said Prodi's arrival was very important for Croatia, especially so soon after parliamentary elections and when the presidential campaign was in full swing. By visiting Croatia at this time, Prodi, as he himself stated, wanted to point to the interest the EU has in intensifying relations with Croatia, Pavletic said. He emphasised Croatia also was interested in strengthening ties with the EU and institutionalising mutual relations as soon as possible. "Croatia is interested in entering the Tempus and Cara programmes, and later in becoming the 14th country to enter negotiations for membership in the EU," said Pavletic. He assessed Croatia could enter the EU in a shorter period of time than predicted by numerous political analysts and commentators. (hina) ha mm