SIXTH ROUND OF TALKS FOR CROATIA'S ADMISSION TO WTO ENDS

( Editorial: --> 4044 ) GENEVA, June 26 (Hina) - The sixth round of talks between Croatia and a group of interested countries - members of the World Trade Organisation - ended in the WTO headquarters in Geneva on Friday. According to the head of the Croatian delegation, Neven Mimica, the sixth round, which lasted three days, completed the process of negotiations concerning trade in industrial products and services with Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Switzerland. What remains yet to be solved are open questions concerning tariff protection for agricultural products, he added. As regards other WTO countries who have special interests in the process of Croatia's admission to the WTO, talks with the US delegation have advanced rather well and they could be completed in September, at least when it comes to trade in industrial goods and services, Mimica said. The sixth round of talks has confirmed the reality of Croatia's expectations to complete technical preparations for its admission to the WTO by the end of this year, Mimica said. What remains to be done in the first half of 1999 is the completion of the parliamentary procedure by adopting the necessary changes in the Croatian legislation concerning tariff, foreign trade and tax system. By adopting those changes, Croatia will meet the last requirements for its formal admission to the WTO, Mimica said. (hina) jn rml 262021 MET jun 98