EU-CROATIAN TASK FORCE TO BE IN SESSION IN ZAGREB IN APRIL

ZAGREB, Feb 21 (Hina) - A session of the Croatian-European Union Consultative Task Force, that is preparing foundations for the future contractual relations between the EU and Croatia, is to be held in Zagreb in the mid-April, Croatia's mission to the EU in Brussels reported on Monday. The Consultative Task Force held its first session on February 15 in Brussels. The meeting revolved around recommendations for Croatia how to meet its commitments such as amendments to laws on minority rights, acceleration of the refugee return process, the cooperation with the Hague-based International War Crimes Tribunal, the furtherance of regional cooperation, democratisation of media and economic policy and reforms. At that meeting the two parties agreed that some issues would be further considered at next sessions, most of which are to take place in Croatia. According to the European Commission, the assessment mission is likely to visit Croatia from 6 to 10 March. This mission of the European Commission will assess needs and priorities where the EU can offer assistance. According to the same source, the EU Commissioner for foreign policy affairs, Chriss Patten, will come in Zagreb on 10 March when the EU mission in the Croatian capital should officially be promoted to a level of embassy. After the assessment mission and the consultative task force complete their reports, a feasibility study is to be elaborated on Croatia's ability to begin negotiations on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. This study prepared by the European Commission is submitted to the Council of Ministers. After the Ministerial Council assesses that document positively and accepts it, Croatia and the EU can launch negotiations on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. (hina) jn ms