ZAGREB, Sept 12 (Hina) - Croatia expects the effective support of the Stability Pact in its achieving strategic goals which will bring the country closer to European Union and NATO membership, Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said
in his welcome speech at the beginning of a conference gathering the parliamentary presidents of Stability Pact member-countries, which is being held in Zagreb. "We in Croatia expect your effective support for our successful implementation of internal reforms which will bring us closer to our membership in the European Union and NATO," Racan said addressing representatives of states and international organisations cooperating with the Stability Pact. "We are deeply aware that a supportive international environment, foreign investments and, particularly, urgent financial support for the return process in Croatia and the entire region are crucial for enabling us to secure a dignified l
ZAGREB, Sept 12 (Hina) - Croatia expects the effective support of
the Stability Pact in its achieving strategic goals which will
bring the country closer to European Union and NATO membership,
Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said in his welcome speech at
the beginning of a conference gathering the parliamentary
presidents of Stability Pact member-countries, which is being held
in Zagreb.
"We in Croatia expect your effective support for our successful
implementation of internal reforms which will bring us closer to
our membership in the European Union and NATO," Racan said
addressing representatives of states and international
organisations cooperating with the Stability Pact.
"We are deeply aware that a supportive international environment,
foreign investments and, particularly, urgent financial support
for the return process in Croatia and the entire region are crucial
for enabling us to secure a dignified living for all those who have
suffered so much. Therefore I emphasise that we can succeed only if
we ensure synergy between internal reforms and international
engagement," Racan said.
The Croatian government is facing major tasks. "We have to carry out
thorough economic, political and social reforms in order to secure
the full rule of law and respect for human and minority rights, the
return of exiled persons and refugees, as well as to overcome the
economic crisis and secure a speedier economic development," the
Prime Minister said.
He expressed satisfaction with the fact that the government's goals
had been supported by the international community from the very
beginning.
Racan also pointed to a major problem Croatia and some other
countries in the region were facing: large mine-infested areas
which are the consequence of war conflicts.
The Zagreb Stability Pact conference was opened this morning by
Croatian Parliament President Zlatko Tomcic. The event is attended
by some 150 delegations from 45 countries and international
institutions.
(hina) rml