CROATIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES GERMAN MP

ZAGREB, March 22 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader on Monday received a German MP and president of the working group for foreign, European, defence and development policy of the CSU party bench, Christian Schmidt. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued after the talks that both sides had expressed satisfaction with good relations between Croatia and Germany. Sanader informed Schmidt with the current situation in Croatia. The talks also focused on concrete plans to deepen political and economic cooperation between the two countries. Schmidt stressed the international community expected Croatia to fully implement assumed commitments, accentuating the importance of the return of all refugees, the statement said. Sanader and Schmidt also discussed the current situation in relations between Croatia and the European Union. Sanader stressed the EU should more appropriately assess Croatia's achievements and efforts towards regulating relations, the Ministry said. Sanader stressed a general opinion was that a "road map" should be drawn up for Croatia, which would define the phases of its approach to the EU, along with the fulfilment of commitments the EU sets before non-member countries, including Croatia. Sanader also stressed the legitimacy and profound foundation for Croatian military and police operations "Flash" and "Storm" in international law, and the refusal of any policy which would bring into question these operations, and thus, Croatia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. By liberating its areas, as well as assisting the liberation of south-west Bosnia, Croatia has contributed mostly to the creation of conditions for peace and stability in this part of Europe, he stressed. Sanader and Schmidt exchanged views on current issues and problems regarding solutions to the Kosovo crisis, the statement said. (hina) lml