PICULA ATTENDS EUROPEAN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IN ROME

ROME, Nov 4 (Hina) - The signing of a document prohibiting discrimination in Rome on Saturday marked the end of a two-day ministerial conference of 41 Council of Europe member-states which marked the 50th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. Croatia was represented by a delegation headed by Foreign Minister Tonino Picula. As part of preparations for the Nov. 24 Zagreb Summit, Picula held talks with some colleagues from neighbouring countries. Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer told Picula that Croatia's elections earlier this year had initiated changes towards democratisation in other Southeast Europe countries as well. Croatia should not slow down in implementing changes, Schwimmer said. Danish Foreign Minister Niels Helveg Peterssen told Picula Denmark was interested in intensifying economic cooperation with Croatia. Picula told reporters he requested the ministers he held talks with to urge their countries to apprise Croatia according to its individual efforts and successes. He said upcoming elections in neighbouring Bosnia should not be overlooked, i.e. that they should not be overshadowed by recent ones in Yugoslavia. During talks with Bulgaria's delegation, Croatia agreed to intensify cooperation within the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe. During talks with an Albanian delegation, it was agreed the Zagreb Summit should enable Tirana to approach the European Union. If requested, Croatia will offer humanitarian aid to Serbia's residents ahead of the coming winter, Picula told reporters. Asked if Yugoslavia's President Vojislav Kostunica during the Zagreb Summit would seek forgiveness for last decade's conflicts in the region, the Croatian foreign minister said something of the sort could be expected, although it remained unknown in which form. (hina) ha jn