RELATIONS BETWEEN CROATIA AND EU REMAIN UNCHANGED

ZAGREB, Oct 29 (Hina) - Relations between Croatia and the European Union remain unchanged, the Office of the European Commission in Croatia said on Thursday in a release regarding the latest EC "Conditionality Report" on the situation in four former Yugoslav states and Albania. The European Commission on Wednesday adopted its operational conclusions on the compliance with the "Conditionality" covering countries included in the Regional Approach, directed at four of the successor republics of former Yugoslavia (Croatia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia), plus Albania. The Report is to be discussed by the EU Member States in the next meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 9-10 November 1998. "As far as Croatia is concerned, due to insufficient compliance with the relevant conditions - credible commitment to democratic reforms... respect for human and minority rights... the offer of real opportunities to refugees and DP to return to their origin... Dayton implementation - for additional progress in its relations with the Community, the Commission recommends in its operational conclusions that the status quo will be maintained for the time being", the EC says adding that Croatia will continue to benefit from the ATM regime whereas the financial assistance (Phare programme) as well as further enhancing of economic cooperation (Cooperation Agreement) will remain suspended. The EC Office recalls that Croatia already benefits from the EU's financial assistance in the field of the reconstruction, assistance to independent media and civil society, as well as humanitarian aid. The EU is willing to consider continuing and even increasing this assistance, particularly for the return process, the Office concludes. (hina) mm rml .