EU MINISTERIAL COUNCIL'S STATEMENT ON RELATIONS WITH CROATIA

ZAGREB, April 11 (Hina) - The EU Ministerial Council issued a joint statement after its session in Luxembourg on Monday, referring to negotiations and relations with Croatia's Government. In the statement the EU Ministerial Council expresses satisfaction with adoption of the UN Security Council resolution that gives a mandate to UN forces to remain in Croatia. In line with the positive developments EU Ministerial Council has decided to conduct negotiations with Croatia aimed at reaching an agreement on cooperation with the country. However it is implied that during the process of the negotiations and also at the time of concluding the agreement, UN Ministerial Council will be able to take into consideration Croatia's conduct toward the implementation of UN SC resolutions and the peace process, according to the statement. The Council supports the implementation of projects of the joint interest in Croatia, which facilitate the process of drawing closer the Serb and Croatian communities. The Council reiterates its positive standpoint on the extension of the PHARE programme to Croatia. The Council emphasizes the importance of extending cease-fire agreements, and it gives a priority to reaching an agreement on the mutual recognition of the countries that have emerged from the former Yugoslavia, according to the statement. The Council also stresses the necessity of prompting all modes of the dialogue and recognition between Serbia/Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina so that the re-eruption of the conflict might be prevented and the realization of the peace process facilitated. The Council have decided to continue supporting the Croat- Moslem Federation and concentrate its efforts on the administration of the city of Mostar in particular. In the document the Council claims that all measures have been taken for carrying out the mandate of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia as regards the isolation of the authorities in Pale (Bosnian Serb chief stronghold). The Council also demands from Serbia and Montenegro to grant a greater autonomy to their provinces, particularly to Kosovo, according to the statement. (hina) mm mms 111824 MET apr 95