ZAGREB, Nov 23 (Hina) - The Croatian government on Thursday adopted a decision on initiating a procedure for the conclusion of an Agreement on Stabilisation and Association with the European Union.
ZAGREB, Nov 23 (Hina) - The Croatian government on Thursday adopted
a decision on initiating a procedure for the conclusion of an
Agreement on Stabilisation and Association with the European
Union. #L#
The government also adopted several other documents from this area,
which marks the end of the preparatory stage for the beginning of
negotiations on the Association and Stabilisation Agreement.
The government's decision enables the start of formal talks on the
Agreement during tomorrow's Zagreb Summit. Croatia's chief
negotiator Neven Mimica says the first of the three plenary
negotiating rounds will begin in mid December (18-19). The signing
of the Agreement could be negotiated in five to six months.
This, he says, is the easier part of the job, after which Croatia
faces the fulfilment of a series of obligations arising from the
Agreement.
According to optimistic estimates, Croatia will by the end of 2006
be ready to fulfil all legislative, economic and other conditions
necessary for its full EU membership.
European Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic believes that by
adopting today's decision the government had concluded an
important segment of its programme.
We want contractual relations with the EU to be established soon and
that agreement will enable it, Jakovcic said.
Jakovcic expressed hope the pace of talks will enable Croatia to
initial the Agreement by the end of the first half of 2001.
By signing and ratifying the Agreement, Croatia will become an
associate EU member and be able to submit a request for full
membership, he said.
In that context, the Zagreb Summit is of special importance because
the beginning of talks on the Agreement means a clear European
future for Croatia.
The package of documents the government adopted today also includes
guidelines defining Croatia's basic goals in talks on
association.
The guidelines, Mimica says, cover five main chapters. They include
Croatia's position in relation to political dimensions of the
Agreement, trade relations and free movement of goods, which should
result in positive changes in the Croatian economy. The other
chapters refer to the adjustment of Croatia's legislation,
cooperation policy, and institutional bodies which will be in
charge of implementing the Agreement.
Prime Minister Ivica Racan said today's decision has created a new
dimension in the work of the Croatian government and life in
Croatia.
(hina) rml