DENMARK WILLING TO CONTINUE COOPERATION WITH CROATIA

COPENHAGEN, July 5 (Hina) - Denmark assesses that the new Croatian authorities are orientated towards the genuine democracy and Copenhagen will support their bids to approach the European Union, said Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen on Wednesday. I view your leadership of Croatia as a really through change towards the genuine democracy, as the real progress, Rasmussen told reporters after his talks with Croatian Premier Ivica Racan. Rasmussen and Racan discussed the bilateral relations and Danish backing to Croatia's efforts to come closer to the EU. We hope we shall catch up with countries that are in the first circle for the admission to the EU, Racan said responding to a question about Croatia's prospects of entering the EU. Both premiers voiced satisfaction with their meeting. On behalf of the Danish Government, I expressed the support to the Croatian Government and wish to continue co-operating in all important fields: the return of refugees, the economic and social development and relations with the EU, Rasmussen added. He accepted the invitation of Croatian Prime Minister to visit Croatia. During the official visit of Racan to Copenhagen, Croatian Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic, who accompanied him on this tour, and Danish Minister Niels Helveg Petersen signed an agreement on stimulation and protection of investment, which should create the legal basis for intensified Danish investment in Croatia's economy. (hina) jn ms