CRO DEPUTY PREMIER MEETS COE MAIN DIRECTOR FOR LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

ZAGREB, May 23 (Hina) - Croatian First Deputy Premier Goran Granic on Tuesday receives the Council of Europe's main director for legal issues, Guy de Vela, with whom he held talks on the programme of the Croatian Government, the changing of discriminatory laws, the return of refugees, the revival of economy and cooperation in the region. Granic informed de Vela of the moves the Croatian Government had been taking in the past three months. He stressed that the Government's programme met expectations of the European Union and the Council of Europe, read a statement issued by the Croatian Government Media and Public Relations Office. Granic informed the first attorney of the Council of Europe of amendments to a series of laws intentions because of certain discriminatory regulations. The Government is forming organisations, and legislative conditions for the return, said Granic, and added that the greatest problem was the revival of the economy, particularly in areas of special state care. The Croatian Government wants to be consistent in the implementation of its policy based on the ensuring equal rights to all of its citizens, Granic said. Welcoming Croatia's active participation in the work on the Stability Pact, De Vela pointed to the significance of a dialogue and cooperation in the region. The talks also tackled further cooperation between Croatia and the Council of Europe. (hina) it jn