LISBON, Feb 12 (Hina) - Guterres said he was pleased that Premier Racan, whom he called "a symbol of a struggle for democracy", had chosen Portugal as his first destination since the take-over of his office. Expressing full support
for the policy of the new Croatian government, Guterres said he hoped it would bring Croatia closer to Euro-Atlantic associations. The Portuguese premier commended the Croatian government for, as he said, its courage to try and solve problems regarding its relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina and its wish to facilitate the return of refugees and work on stabilising the region. The Croatian government will have Portugal's support in its efforts, Guterres said, expressing a wish for the development of economic and other forms of cooperation with Croatia. Expressing satisfaction that Portugal is the first country he is visiting as Croatia's new premier, Racan said his country was w
LISBON, Feb 12 (Hina) - Guterres said he was pleased that Premier
Racan, whom he called "a symbol of a struggle for democracy", had
chosen Portugal as his first destination since the take-over of his
office.
Expressing full support for the policy of the new Croatian
government, Guterres said he hoped it would bring Croatia closer to
Euro-Atlantic associations.
The Portuguese premier commended the Croatian government for, as he
said, its courage to try and solve problems regarding its relations
with Bosnia-Herzegovina and its wish to facilitate the return of
refugees and work on stabilising the region.
The Croatian government will have Portugal's support in its
efforts, Guterres said, expressing a wish for the development of
economic and other forms of cooperation with Croatia.
Expressing satisfaction that Portugal is the first country he is
visiting as Croatia's new premier, Racan said his country was
willing to take over its share of responsibility for peace,
democratic processes and cooperation in the region.
Among other things, Croatia will develop its cooperation with
Bosnia-Herzegovina as a sovereign and integral state. An
independent and democratic Bosnia-Herzegovina is in the interest
of both the Bosnian Croat people and Croatia, he added.
The new Croatian government wants refugees to return to their homes
in Croatia and it wants to abolish any possible form of ethnic
discrimination both in legal regulations and in practice.
Emphasising that the Government wanted Croatia to be a factor of
stability in its part of Europe, Racan said Croatia would in that
way prove that it could be a good political and economic partner to
European countries, especially the European Union.
Our goal is to speed up our accession into Euro-Atlantic
associations, he said, adding Croatia wanted to join the countries
of the 'first line' which are waiting to enter the EU. Croatia has
been lagging behind considerably due to the former wrong policy, he
said.
The support of Portugal, as the country chairing the EU, is
important, Racan said, stressing the understanding Portuguese
officials demonstrated during talks with the Croatian delegation.
Racan said he invited Guterres to visit Croatia as soon as
possible.
The Portuguese premier met Racan on a Saturday although according
to the protocol he does not receive guests on Saturdays, so that
today's visit is considered a precedent.
The Croatian government delegation will on Sunday visit Brussels
and attend the first meeting of a joint consultative working group
between Croatia and the EU. The establishment of the group is the
first concrete step in the Croatia-EU rapprochement.
The Croatian premier is expected to meet European Commission
President Romano Prodi, and at a regular meeting of the EU Council
he will meet the foreign ministers of EU member-countries. He is
also to meet EU's high representative for foreign policy and
security, Javier Solana.
Racan will also visit the NATO headquarters and hold talks with NATO
Secretary-General George Roberts.
(hina) rml