FOREIGN MINISTER PICULA VISITS SWEDEN

ZAGREB, May 5 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Friday in Stockholm held talks with Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister Lena Hjelm Wallen and Deputy Foreign Minister Anna Lindh on Croatia-Sweden relations and Croatia's aspirations toward joining Euro-Atlantic integration processes. Picula described his talks in Sweden as open, friendly and constructive, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Swedish officials stressed their country's strong support for the democratic changes in Croatia. They also recalled that Sweden had never been opposed to the interests of Croatia and its people, but that it did have reservations toward the previous political authority. The two sides today also agreed on the cancellation of visa requirements for the bearers of Croatian diplomatic and official passports on June 1 2000, which is the first step toward the cancellation of the visa regime between the two countries. Sweden will consider the possibility of participating in the establishment of a centre for the translation of European legislation in Croatia. The Swedish agency for international development cooperation informed the Croatian delegation about the projects in the implementation of which Swedish partners are expected to participate. (hina) mm rml