BRUSSELS, July 20 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic and the Minister for European Integration, Ljerka Mintas-Hodak, on Tuesday held talks with high representatives of the Council of Ministers and the European Commission,
who were led by Finland's Foreign Minister and chairwoman of the European Union's Council of Ministers, Tarja Halonen.
BRUSSELS, July 20 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic
and the Minister for European Integration, Ljerka Mintas-Hodak, on
Tuesday held talks with high representatives of the Council of
Ministers and the European Commission, who were led by Finland's
Foreign Minister and chairwoman of the European Union's Council of
Ministers, Tarja Halonen. #L#
During the meeting, which was described as an informal political
dialogue, the Croatian officials confirmed the strategic goal of
Croatia's policy is the country's integration into the EU.
Finland's Halonen described the current level of relations between
the EU and Croatia as a golden opportunity for Croatia.
Summarising the latest conclusions of the EU Council of Ministers
on Croatia, Halonen said the door was almost open for Croatia.
The EU Council of Ministers on Monday published conclusions from
its latest session, in which two items refer to Croatia. The Council
encouraged Croatia to continue making progress in democratisation
and in the full exercise of human rights, including the electoral
law, refugee return and the media, as well as economic reforms.
Also, the Council announced the establishment of a Croatian-EU
working group called 'Task Force', which should provide special
expert assistance in preparing legal and administrative
regulations for the establishment of contractual relations with
the EU.
Granic believed 'Task Force' could be established in early autumn
"if the Croatian Democratic Union and the Opposition reach an
agreement on the electoral law on time". Once the agreement is
reached, it would be possible to start talks with the EU on an
agreement on stabilisation and association, he said.
Granic assessed today's talks as very fruitful.
"We hope today's meeting and yesterday's decisions by the Council
of Ministers regarding the establishment of a working group for
consultations represent concrete steps towards raising our
relations and dialogue to a higher institutional level", he added.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Halonen and Granic said they
had also discussed the situation in the region, especially the
implementation of the Stability Pact for South-East Europe, as well
as the situation in Yugoslavia and Kosovo.
Croatia reiterated its support for the Dayton peace agreement.
Mintas-Hodak presented during the meeting a Government's plan of
integration activities. Speaking at the press conference, she said
the document had been received exceptionally well.
The document would also be a good basis for the activities of the
joint working group.
If Croatia meets the political requirements, it could very soon
make progress as regards integration into the EU, she said.
(hina) rml,