PICULA ADDRESSES EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT'S FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

ZAGREB/STRASBOURG, July 3 (Hina) - The main goal of the Croatian Government is the country's full political and economic integration in the European Union, Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula said in a speech before the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights and Common Security and Defence Policy in Strasbourg on Monday. #L# At the beginning of his speech, Picula said he would like to present a "changed Croatia - a country that has irreversibly embarked on the process of European integration." After the parliamentary and presidential elections at the beginning of this year, the new government decided to immediately address the political conditionalities that stood in Croatia's way to Europe, Picula said. Croatia has already amended a number of laws which facilitate the return of all refugees and displaced persons as well as the access to the reconstruction assistance regardless of ethnicity; new legislation covering human and minority rights has been introduced, a new law on Croatian Radio and Television has been prepared and the necessary reforms in the judiciary and state administration have been undertaken with the aim of increasing its efficiency and initiating decentralisation. The government has continued with economic, legal and tax reforms, as well as with the privatisation of big state-owned companies and it is undertaking measures to fight corruption. "All these achievements have contributed to the intensification of politicial dialogue with the European Union," Picula said, expressing hope that talks on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement would start in autumn. Picula recalled that Croatia has accepted the Stability Pact, which proves that "Croatia is prepared to play an active role in promoting stability, co-operation and solidarity in the region." "... we are ready to assume our responsibility and act as a model for the other countries in our eastern neighbourhood," he added. Croatia's policy towards Bosnia and Herzegovina has only one very clear agenda and the country is gradually developing balanced relations with the Federation and Republika Srpska. Picula recalled a recent meeting between Croatian President Stipe Mesic and Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, stressing that "Croatia will continue to extend support to the democratic forces in Montenegro." Croatia condemns the violence that has taken place in Kosovo and believes that the key to a stable future in Kosovo lies in the upcoming elections. "Bearing in mind Croatia's tragic experience during the last ten years, we have no doubts that the Milosevic regime is the main generator of instability and represents a threat to all neighbouring countries," Picula said. Croatia supports the initiative of the French President Chirac to organise a summit of the European Union and the countries in the region, Picula said, adding Croatia was considering the possibility of hosting the event. "In a realistic assessment of our way to the European Union, we are aware that a series of thorough politicial, economic, legal and institutional adjustments are needed." Zagreb has already begun with the preparations in harmonising its legislation with that of the European Union. In order to be able to achieve this aim, Croatia will require adequate technical and financial assistance, Picula said, adding Croatia hoped it would be assisted by international financial institutions. At the end of his speech, Picula reiterated that the fullest political and economic integration into the European Union represented the top priority for the Croatian government. He also informed members of the Committee that Croatia would in September this year organise a summit of the speakers of all Stability Pact participants. (hina) jn rml