CRO EUROPEAN INTEGRATION MINISTER RECEIVES HANNES SWOBODA

ZAGREB, Feb 19 (Hina) - Croatian Minister for European Integrations Ljerka Mintas Hodak on Friday received Vice President of the European Socialists' Party at the European Parliament, Hannes Swoboda, the Croatian Government Communications Office reported. Swoboda will attend the international conference 'Croatia and European Associations' on a theme trade unions and political parties- European signposts, which will be held in Zagreb on February 20 and 21. Mintas Hodak pointed out Croatia's interest in the integration process, as well as the Croatian Government's devotion in the adoption European standards and fulfil the European Union's conditions. She also stressed that the European Union should assist Croatia in maintaining stability in this region, the Croatian Government Communications Office's statement read. Mintas-Hodak informed Swoboda about the electoral law and the situation in Croatian media. Swoboda said the cooperation between the European Union and Croatia needed to be accelerated, and that the Croatia''s joining the Phare Programme should be initiated, adding that the Programme would be of a great assistance to Croatia. (hina) it jn/lml