DEPUTY PREMIER GRANIC RECEIVES DUTCH FINANCE MINISTER ZALM

ZAGREB, May 23 (Hina) - Croatia's Deputy Premier Goran Granic on Tuesday received Dutch Finance Minister Gerrit Zalm, who is heading a Dutch delegation visiting Croatia. Granic acquainted the Dutch minister with Croatia's political and economic situation, in particular a programme and measures the government is taking to settle economic issues, the government's Media and Public Relations Office said in a statement. Talks tackled the challenges Croatia was facing as a country in transition, the elimination of the economic consequences of war, Croatia's participation in the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, and a donors' conference in preparation. Deputy Premier Granic pointed out reforms in and the growth of economy were the keys to stability in Southeast Europe and a precondition for a more efficient establishment of institutions of modern democratic society. Minister Zalm said The Netherlands supported the efforts of Croatia's government, and agreed the support of the European Union and international organisations was imperative for economic revival and the advancement of democratic institutions. Both officials urged good bilateral cooperation in which the first step, they said, was an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of paying income and property taxes, signed by the two countries' finance ministers in Zagreb today. (hina) ha