EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS POSTPONES DECISION ON EU-CRO TASK FORCE

BRUSSELS, Sept 13 (Hina) - The European Union (EU) Council of Ministers on Monday postponed passing a decision on the establishment of a mixed EU-Croatia consultative task force. The Council simultaneously urged the EU Commission to "consult with progressive political forces in Croatia" on the task force's role and the conditions necessary for it to be established. Relative to conclusions from ministerial sittings of June 21 and July 19, the EU Council discussed the "idea of the setting up of an EU-Croatia Task Force with view to preparing technically for contractual relations with the EU when the relevant conditions are met," said a brief statement released to the press on Monday evening. "The Council considered that such a task force could make a useful contribution to EU-Croatia relations and it invited the commissions to consult with progressive political forces on Croatia on the functions of such a force and the conditions which would be necessary for it to be established, including Croatia's respect for its international obligations," the statement said. Finland's Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen, who is presiding the EU Council of Ministers, told a press conference only a brief debate on Croatia was held today. Halonen said it is EU's intention to further encourage processes of democratic reforms in Croatia. During today's debate, dissatisfaction was expressed about the fact that no progress had been made in Croatia in that field, she added. The discussion on Croatia was held as part of a wider debate on the situation in Southeast Europe and the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe. (hina) ha