EU MINISTERIAL TROIKA TO VISIT ZAGREB IN LATE MARCH

ZAGREB, Mar 3 (Hina) - Portugal's Ambassador to Zagreb, Ana Barata, on Friday informed Croatia's European Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic that the European Union Troika was planning a visit to Croatia in late March on the level of foreign ministers. Barata also invited Jakovcic to visit Portugal, the Ministry said in a statement. Jakovcic today held talks with a delegation of EU Troika, including Portugal's Ambassador, Ana Barata, French Ambassador Albert Turot, and European Commission's Special Envoy to Croatia, Per Vinther. The EU ministerial delegation, which should visit Croatia in late March, would include Portuguese and French Foreign Ministers Jaime Gama and Hubert Vedrine respectively, EU's high commissioner for joint foreign and security policy, Javier Solana, and EU's commissioner for foreign policy, Chris Patten. Jakovcic informed his guests about the conclusions adopted at Thursday's government session, "at which it was decided that all political requirements set by the EU should be met, not because the EU requests it, but because it is in Croatia's interest," Jakovcic said. The importance of refugee return, non-discriminatory legislation and a public television was emphasised among those requests. Jakovcic stressed the need for opening an EU programme of assistance and help of some EU members to Croatia in its efforts to draw closer to the EU since the country was unable to cover all the costs due to its difficult economic situation. Jakovcic urged the EU officials to join in the celebration of the Day of Europe, which the Ministry of European Integration is preparing for May 9, as co- organisers. The Ambassador of Portugal, the country currently chairing the EU, said that steps taken by the EU, such as the upcoming visit of an evaluation mission to Croatia, proved EU's willingness to help Croatia join European integration processes, the statement read. (hina) mm rml ,