CROATIA TO ACCESS BY NEXT YEAR -- CRO EUROPEAN INTEGRATION MINISTER

ZAGREB, Nov 23 (Hina) - The start of negotiations with the European Union on an agreement on stabilisation and association is a big day for Croatia, and it is expected to become EU's associate member next year, Croatian Minister for European Integration, Ivan Jakovcic, told Hina Thursday. "I expect we will carry out the talks quickly and efficiently and that we will have an initialled agreement by the first half of next year. Pursuant to the ratification of the agreement in Croatia and EU member-countries we will become an associate member," Jakovcic said at Zagreb's airport where he was waiting for international delegations to attend the Zagreb Summit on Friday. The Croatian Government on Thursday, adopted a decision on initiating proceedings for the signing of the agreement on stabilisation and association with the EU, and negotiations will be formally opened on Friday, during the Zagreb conference. The Government also adopted guidelines defining Croatia's basic interests in association negotiations. The agreement on stabilisation and association open up the gates for full membership, with the insisting of an individual approach and the right to its own dynamics on the path towards the EU, Jakovcic said. "We should not shrink from cooperation in the region as it is in our interest to have as big a market as possible". (hina) lml jn