ZAGREB, Sept 26 (Hina) - Croatia's Prime Minister Ivica Racan called on the international community on Tuesday to help establish full democracy in Southeast Europe following last weekend's elections in the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia. "We are hopeful that the Sunday elections mark the first major step, necessary, but not sufficient, on the road to democratisation of Serbia, and at long last, their contribution to normalisation of life in the region," Racan said in London in his address at a conference of Great Britain's Labour Party.
ZAGREB, Sept 26 (Hina) - Croatia's Prime Minister Ivica Racan
called on the international community on Tuesday to help establish
full democracy in Southeast Europe following last weekend's
elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
"We are hopeful that the Sunday elections mark the first major step,
necessary, but not sufficient, on the road to democratisation of
Serbia, and at long last, their contribution to normalisation of
life in the region," Racan said in London in his address at a
conference of Great Britain's Labour Party.#L#
"It is therefore most important that you, both here in the United
Kingdom, and in Brussels, lend your full support to the efforts of
Croatia and the international community to rid the region of the
remaining sources of oppression, tyranny and instability," he
pointed out.
According to the Prime Minister, "Croatia still suffers from the
continuing instability in the region, caused by the Milosevic
regime and the nationalistic policies of Belgrade."
The Labour Party's annual convention has gathered several thousand
members in Brighton to discuss and vote on the party's platform.
Racan is attending the convention as the leader of Croatia's Social
Democratic Party. He arrived in Great Britain on Saturday at Labour
Party president Tony Blair's invitation.
Racan told the convention Croatia's strategic objectives were
integration into the European Union and NATO. He said that as a
"Central European, Mediterranean and, to an extent, also a Balkan
state," Croatia was aware of its potential and opportunity to be a
democratic role model in the region.
"Regional cooperation is high on our priority list. However, we are
adamant about one thing regarding our way to Europe: regional
cooperation - yes, regional determinism - no," he said.
Speaking about Croatian-British relations, the prime minister said
that "since the January elections in Croatia, the overall relations
between our two countries have substantially improved. Our
dialogue has intensified. Our personal relationship... has
deepened our mutual understanding and friendship. I know that I can
count on your further support as Croatia struggles to become a
genuine part of the European democratic mainstream."
Yesterday, the Croatian Prime Minister visited the London Stock
Exchange and held talks with Lloyd's president Max Taylor.
Later today, he should meet Britain's counterpart Blair and Foreign
Secretary Robin Cook.
Racan returns to Zagreb tomorrow.
(hina) ha