ZAGREB, Nov 23 (Hina) - Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) President Ivo Sanader on Thursday said that the version a draft declaration of the Zagreb Summit, which he had seen, showed that the European Union was taking a regional approach
towards this region rather than the individual treatment. Speaking at a news conference in Zagreb which he held together with HDZ BH leader, Sanader handed over the paper among reporters, admitting he was not sure that it was the final draft document as he did not know whether the draft declaration had been changed in recent days. The draft declaration, which the HDZ has obtained via its international channels, reads that a free trade zone should be set up in the region. If this proposal remains, it means that "a regional area of free trade" should be established, and the ultimate goal, Sanader thinks, is that this zone should in the long run be transformed into a customs union. I
ZAGREB, Nov 23 (Hina) - Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) President
Ivo Sanader on Thursday said that the version a draft declaration of
the Zagreb Summit, which he had seen, showed that the European Union
was taking a regional approach towards this region rather than the
individual treatment.
Speaking at a news conference in Zagreb which he held together with
HDZ BH leader, Sanader handed over the paper among reporters,
admitting he was not sure that it was the final draft document as he
did not know whether the draft declaration had been changed in
recent days.
The draft declaration, which the HDZ has obtained via its
international channels, reads that a free trade zone should be set
up in the region.
If this proposal remains, it means that "a regional area of free
trade" should be established, and the ultimate goal, Sanader
thinks, is that this zone should in the long run be transformed into
a customs union. It is obvious for him that the regional approach is
being imposed on the countries in the region on the principle "take
it or leave it", and this is not good, he added.
The HDZ leader reminded that tomorrow the Sabor House of Counties
(where the HDZ has a majority of seats) would discuss the Zagreb
Summit and the draft declaration, and the HDZ will demand an urgent
session of the House of Representatives on the matter.
Asked by reporters, Sanader confirmed that this strongest
opposition party supported a protest rally which an association of
war veterans (the headquarters for the protection of the Homeland
Defence War's dignity) announced for the same day of the Summit.
Sanader called on HDZ members to join the protesters.
The headquarters, which enjoys the support of several societies and
organisations, has announced the rally to protest the arrival of
Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica before he apologises to the
Croatian people for the aggression his country launched on Croatia
and before Belgrade pays for war damage.
(hina) jn ms