PRAGUE-VISIT-Diplomacija MINTAS-HODAK: THERE'S HISTORIC CHANCE FOR CROATIA TO JOIN EU FASTER PRAGUE, May 3 (Hina) - The Kosovo crisis has created a historic opportunity for Croatia to approach faster the European Union (EU), but a
political consensus in Croatia must be reached on necessary steps for the accomplishment of this aim, said Croatian Minister of European Integration Ljerka Mintas-Hodak, in Prague on Monday. She was conducting a one-day working visit to the Czech Republic where she discussed Czech experiences in a bid to join the EU, with the country's Vice Premier, in charge of foreign, internal and security polices, Egon Lansky, and the Czech main negotiator with the EU, a Deputy Foreign Minister, Pavel Telicka. Although Croatia and the Czech Republic are in different positions in relation to the European integration processes, the Croatian minister and her hosts agreed that 80 percent of the approach depended on the internal adjustment of a country that would like to jo
PRAGUE, May 3 (Hina) - The Kosovo crisis has created a historic
opportunity for Croatia to approach faster the European Union (EU),
but a political consensus in Croatia must be reached on necessary
steps for the accomplishment of this aim, said Croatian Minister of
European Integration Ljerka Mintas-Hodak, in Prague on Monday.
She was conducting a one-day working visit to the Czech Republic
where she discussed Czech experiences in a bid to join the EU, with
the country's Vice Premier, in charge of foreign, internal and
security polices, Egon Lansky, and the Czech main negotiator with
the EU, a Deputy Foreign Minister, Pavel Telicka.
Although Croatia and the Czech Republic are in different positions
in relation to the European integration processes, the Croatian
minister and her hosts agreed that 80 percent of the approach
depended on the internal adjustment of a country that would like to
join the EU, and only 20 percent depended on the political will of
the EU.
Mintas-Hodak and Telicka considered possible measures which may
stimulate Czech tourists to visit Croatia this summer, despite the
Kosovo crisis.
After the talks, the Czech official said his fellow countrymen were
still a little hesitant about going on vocation to the Croatian
Adriatic coast, and stressed that the Czech Government did not
believe that the security of tourists could be in jeopardy in
Croatia.
Mintas-Hodak confirmed that they had mentioned stimulating
measures for the arrival of the Czech on vocation in Croatia this
summer but did not want to speak about details.
According to some sources, Czech authorities could request some
benefits for their holiday-makers in Croatia in order that a large
number of them can visit the Croatian Adriatic coast this summer.
By her visit to Prague, the Croatian minister continued with
planned talks with 11 countries candidates for the EU membership.
Prior to this visit, she was in Poland and after the Czech Republic
she will visit Romania.
(hina) jn ms