ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commissioner for national minorities Max van der Stoel on Thursday held talks in Zagreb on the
current situation in Croatia, preparations for the impending parliamentary elections, and a refugee return programme. According to a statement from the Croatian Foreign Ministry, speaking about the current situation in Croatia, Sanader pointed out the strategic directives of Croatia's foreign policy were access to European and Transatlantic political, security, and economic integration processes. Sanader acquainted van der Stoel with the new electoral law, and focused on the voting of Croatian citizens residing outside Croatia, and the election of representatives of national and ethnic minorities. All Croatian citizens, regardless of the country they are in,
ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo
Sanader and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE) commissioner for national minorities Max van der Stoel on
Thursday held talks in Zagreb on the current situation in Croatia,
preparations for the impending parliamentary elections, and a
refugee return programme.
According to a statement from the Croatian Foreign Ministry,
speaking about the current situation in Croatia, Sanader pointed
out the strategic directives of Croatia's foreign policy were
access to European and Transatlantic political, security, and
economic integration processes.
Sanader acquainted van der Stoel with the new electoral law, and
focused on the voting of Croatian citizens residing outside
Croatia, and the election of representatives of national and ethnic
minorities.
All Croatian citizens, regardless of the country they are in, will
be treated equally at the elections, the deputy foreign minister
asserted.
The OSCE representative was particularly interested in the
problems and course of refuge returns.
Speaking about the implementation of a government return
programme, Sanader said crucial to the process was the wish and
interest of each individual, as well as the time and funds necessary
for reconstruction. Sanader reminded Croatia is still providing
care for 80,000 displaced persons and refugees from Croatia and
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Speaking about the efforts of the government and the National Trust
Establishment Committee in the creation of conditions for normal
living and restoration of trust among ethnic communities, Sanader
reminded it was a very delicate issue considering that the wounds in
war-ravaged area had still not healed.
According to the Foreign Ministry statement, both officials agreed
the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe would be of great
assistance for the overall return process, especially through the
accumulation of funds which could facilitate and accelerate the
return process.
(hina) ha