GRANIC ON RECOMMENDTAION FOR ADMISSION OF CROATIA INTO COUNCIL OF

OF $ EUROPE GRANIĆ ON RECOMMENDATION FOR ADMISSION OF CROATIA INTO COUNCIL OF EUROPE ZAGREB, 19. March (Hina) - Speaking for Croatian Television on Tuesday evening Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic described the recommendation by the Political Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for Croatia's admission into full membership as "the most important and crucial step towards Croatia's membership in the oldest European institution." "By being admitted to the Council of Europe Croatia has made it to the first tier of European integrative mechanisms, because it will be able to benefit from the PHARE programme and the agreement on trade and cooperation with the European Union and have access to international financial institutions," said Minister Granic. The Political Committee based its decision on the cessation of hostilities and its positive assessment of Croatia's contribution to the Dayton, Rome and Geneva agreements, maintains Granic. Another important element was Croatia's response to some concerns expressed by the Council of Europe, which was signed by president Franjo Tudjman and Parliament Spokesman Vlatko Pavletic, said Granic. In its response Croatia pledged to meet some specific standards binding full members of the Council of Europe, such as to respect minority rights, cooperate with CITY, support the Dayton, Washington and Rome agreements and especially to support the BH Federation, noted Granic. "They have also raised the issue of adoption of European standards governing the freedom of the press and the issue of the nomination of the mayor of Zagreb. We said those issues would be resolved in accordance with our Constitution and legislature, after consultations with the Council of Europe, which they acknowledged." Mr. Granic believes Croatia will most probably become a member of the Council of Europe at a ministerial meeting on 3 May and be formally admitted by the end of June. 192256 MET mar 96