ZAGREB, Apr 15 (Hina) - European Commission special envoy Per Vinther on Thursday said in Zagreb Croatia's natural partner was the European Union (EU) and not the United States. Croatia's agreements with the U.S. are not sufficient
for its admission to NATO's Partnership for Peace programme, lately the subject of intense talks, Vinther said, pointing out NATO includes EU member-countries as well. Vinther addressed a presentation of the Croatian translation of the "European Union in Ten Lessons" brochure. He stressed EU countries were also part of a World Trade Organisation (WTO) multilateral group negotiating Croatia's admission to the WTO. Speaking about Croatia's relations with the EU, Vinther assessed the question was not if, but when Croatia would establish relations with the EU. An agreement between Croatia and the EU was "imminent", he said. Reiterating the already familiar conditions for
ZAGREB, Apr 15 (Hina) - European Commission special envoy Per
Vinther on Thursday said in Zagreb Croatia's natural partner was
the European Union (EU) and not the United States.
Croatia's agreements with the U.S. are not sufficient for its
admission to NATO's Partnership for Peace programme, lately the
subject of intense talks, Vinther said, pointing out NATO includes
EU member-countries as well.
Vinther addressed a presentation of the Croatian translation of the
"European Union in Ten Lessons" brochure.
He stressed EU countries were also part of a World Trade
Organisation (WTO) multilateral group negotiating Croatia's
admission to the WTO.
Speaking about Croatia's relations with the EU, Vinther assessed
the question was not if, but when Croatia would establish relations
with the EU.
An agreement between Croatia and the EU was "imminent", he said.
Reiterating the already familiar conditions for Croatia's becoming
an EU member, including changes in electoral legislation,
democratisation of Croatian Radio-Television, cooperation with
The Hague war crimes tribunal, and the return of refugees, the
special envoy pointed out conditions which must be complied with
were put before every country prior to admission.
Vinther concluded by saying the Croatian government should take the
chance at this "favourable moment" to get closer to integration
with European institutions.
(hina) ha jn