PRIME MINISTER RACAN HOLDS TALKS WITH UNITED STATES CONGRESSMEN

ZAGREB, July 7 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan on Friday received a delegation of United States Congressmen and held talks on political and economic situation in Croatia, the Croatian Government Media and Public Relations Office said in a statement. The United States Congressmen, headed by Republican congressman from Arizona Matt Salmon, are in an official one-day visit to Croatia in order to be introduced to political and economic situation in Croatia. During the talks with the Croatian Prime Minister, the United States congressmen expressed satisfaction about positive changes in the Croatian interior and foreign policies and congratulated the Prime Minister on Croatia's very important progress in approaching European and transatlantic associations, read the statement. The Congressmen stressed Croatia was a very important factor in the region and Croatia's example of the development of democracy and the solving of transition and economic difficulties should be used in other countries in the region, read the statement. Racan informed his guests of main measures the Croatian Government was undertaking in the adjustment of the legislation to European standards, solving problems in economy and the encouragement of foreign investments. The Prime Minister said Croatia today had good cooperation with the United States, the European Union and neighbouring countries. He stressed Croatia was a small country but aware of its geostrategic position and ready to actively contribute to the stability, peace and prosperity of the southeast of Europe, the statement read. (hina) it