DOORS ARE WIDE OPEN, EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON US - ASSERTS RACAN

ZAGREB, Feb 17 (Hina) - Croatian Premier Ivica Racan told a government session on Thursday he was satisfied with the results of his recent, first European tour, and Italian counterpart Massimo D'Alema's visit to Zagreb today. Racan said his recent visits to Lisbon, Brussels, and Berlin had been extremely important and in great part traced Croatia's path into Europe, the European Union (EU), and NATO. The newly-elected premier told the government the European officials he met told him no country thus far had demonstrated like Croatia such an abrupt turnabout in Europe and a possibility of rapidly accessing the EU and NATO. "For Croatia, this is an historical opportunity which we should not miss," Racan emphasised. He asserted his European tour had made a huge step in rapprochement with the EU and NATO, adding he expected an agreement on joining NATO's Partnership for Peace programme would be signed soon. Croatia knows what it must do to make the signing quick and effective, Racan said. He voiced assurance Croatia would continue acting responsibly in connection with its strategic commitments, namely to become an EU and NATO member as soon as possible. Before and after our tour we have been aware the ball is in our court, that the doors are wide open, and that how we will do it depends on us, the premier said. He announced the government would discuss Croatia's priorities and obligations at a special session, to be held probably next week. (hina) ha