ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - Croatian parliament speaker Zlatko Tomcic held a speech at a special parliamentary session on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Croatia's international recognition on January 15, 2002. "We have to bare in
mind that after its international recognition, war was imposed on Croatia, and at the same time, began the building of a new, democratic system", Tomcic said, and stressed Croatia was "openly and with determination turning to the future". In its intention to realise its full and natural affiliation with Europe, potentially associating with the European Union, Croatia must complete certain adjustments of its justice, economic and democratic system to European standards, Tomcic said, and pointed to the importance of intense economic development. Speaking of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, Tomcic recalled that some members of parliament had been against the ratification of the agreement, believing it "was not desirable or favourable at this time". The agreement is dependent upon our creativity, revision and changes, and as a last option, our decision, Tomcic said, and added the only question remained whether Croatia wanted to be actively included in decision-making one day, or observe the united Europe
ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - Croatian parliament speaker Zlatko Tomcic
held a speech at a special parliamentary session on the occasion of
the 10th anniversary of Croatia's international recognition on
January 15, 2002.
"We have to bare in mind that after its international recognition,
war was imposed on Croatia, and at the same time, began the building
of a new, democratic system", Tomcic said, and stressed Croatia was
"openly and with determination turning to the future".
In its intention to realise its full and natural affiliation with
Europe, potentially associating with the European Union, Croatia
must complete certain adjustments of its justice, economic and
democratic system to European standards, Tomcic said, and pointed
to the importance of intense economic development.
Speaking of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the
EU, Tomcic recalled that some members of parliament had been
against the ratification of the agreement, believing it "was not
desirable or favourable at this time".
The agreement is dependent upon our creativity, revision and
changes, and as a last option, our decision, Tomcic said, and added
the only question remained whether Croatia wanted to be actively
included in decision-making one day, or observe the united Europe
from aside with all the consequences this option carries.
The European Union is a place at which, I hope, we will soon enjoy
certain privileges, with responsibly fulfilling accepted
obligations, and which will indirectly be reflected upon the
standard of our citizens", Tomcic said.
Stressing the parliament is facing an extensive process of
harmonising the legislature with European standards, Tomcic called
on all parliament party benches to soon find an acceptable model of
handling parliamentary procedure. "I am not looking for a fake
unity, but joint work on the strengthening of Croatia's position
through the realisation of a democratic, tolerant and possible
unity, so that Croatia would not be "a hostage of its own
disagreements and disability to achieve productive agreements".
(hina) np sb