EU MINISTERS CONFIRM PLANS FOR ORGANISING SUMMIT IN CROATIA

BRUSSELS, July 10 (Hina) - The European Union Council of Minister on Monday confirmed its intention to organise a summit of the EU and western Balkan countries in Zagreb this autumn. According to the EU ministerial council's conclusions, the summit will have goals as follows: to confirm the firm connection of countries in the region with Europe; to clarify reciprocal engagement between the EU and each of those countries; and, to recall that doors are also open for a democratic Yugoslavia, which will be ready to co-operate and live in peace with its neighbours. In this context the summit will be an occasion for reiterating the EU's support to the civil society and forces of democratic Serbian opposition. The Council called on France, which is now holding the rotating chairmanship over the EU, EU High Representative for joint foreign and security policy, Javier Solana, and the European Commission to take all necessary steps to prepare the summit. Bodo Hombach, Special Co-ordinator of Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, will be invited as well. EU Foreign Ministers said they had received the news about constitutional changes in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) with deep concern. On this occasion, they reiterated their support to the democratically elected authorities in Montenegro. (hina) ms