RACAN AND COUNCIL OF EUROPE SECRETARY-GENERAL HOLD TALKS

ZAGREB, Jan 19 (Hina) - The Council of Europe will offer biggest possible support and assistance to Croatia, its new government and parliament, that are now at a crucial station on the path from the post-war period toward normal democratic development, in those endeavours, said Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer after his meeting with Croatia's future premier Ivica Racan on Wednesday. After the Zagreb talks Schwimmer voiced confidence that remaining commitments out of 21 obligations which Croatia assumed upon its entry into the Council of Europe would be soon fulfilled, and this would lead to the cancellation of the monitoring process of the Council of Europe over Croatia. Racan said the new Croatian government was ready to do all necessary to the benefit of Croatia and thus to ensure better cooperation between Croatia and Europe. We want to show Europe that Croatia is a good political and economic partner to European countries. The support of Europe in those efforts is certainly welcome, he added. We in Europe need a democratic, prosperous and Europe-oriented Croatia which can contribute to the stability and security not only of this region but also of the whole of Europe, the Council of Europe Secretary-General said. (hina) ms