PRESIDENT MESIC HOLD TALKS WITH EBRD OFFICIALS

ZAGREB, Sept 12 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic and representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) discussed Croatia's potential and development conditions in Zagreb on Tuesday. Following the meeting, EBRD's director for Italy, Enzo Quattrociocche, said the Croatian government and President Mesic were strongly committed to Croatia's stabilisation and further economic development. In the past few days the EBRD officials also met government representatives, business people and bank representatives. We believe that the implementation of your government's economic programme will over the medium and long term stimulate the development of Croatia's economy although the citizens will have to be ready for some sacrifices and social difficulties, Quattrociocche said. He added the communication between the authorities and citizens should be improved so that citizens could accept the necessary measures. President Mesic's advisor on internal affairs, Igor Dekanic, said the President had informed the EBRD officials about Croatia's political strategy which consisted of its commitment to access the European Union and strengthen the rule of law with the aim of attracting foreign investors. Quattrociocche said the EBRD had for some time been an important partner of Croatia, where it supported many projects. He also announced activities in the process of privatisation and development of small and medium-sized businesses. This year the EBRD intends to spend more than 100 million euros for projects in Croatia, EBRD's permanent representative in Croatia, Andrew Krapotnik, said. (hina) rml