RIJEKA, April 23 (Hina) - The positive opinion of the European Commission about Croatia's application for membership of the European Union has turned a new page in the country's history, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader said at a government
session in the northern Adriatic city of Rijeka on Friday, adding that "hard work lies ahead, but the hardest part is behind us".
RIJEKA, April 23 (Hina) - The positive opinion of the European
Commission about Croatia's application for membership of the European
Union has turned a new page in the country's history, Prime Minister
Ivo Sanader said at a government session in the northern Adriatic city
of Rijeka on Friday, adding that "hard work lies ahead, but the
hardest part is behind us".#L#
The government adopted a Foreign Ministry report on the European
Commission's opinion and the European Partnership.
Sanader said that particularly pleasing was the assessment by the
European Commission that Croatia was a functioning democracy with
stable institutions and a functioning market economy. He underlined,
however, that the opinion would not resolve Croatia's domestic
problems, which "we can and must resolve by ourselves".
Foreign Minister Miomir Zuzul said that Croatia had "reason to be
satisfied and proud", but that there was no reason for euphoria.
"We are in a completely new stage now," Zuzul said, adding that the
work of the government and its departments would be closely monitored
until June when the European Council is due to meet.
He said that at several points the opinion underlined the efforts of
the present government and its determination and readiness to address
the outstanding problems.
Sanader said he had spoken on the phone today with German Chancellor
Gerhard Schroeder and thanked him for his support. Sanader added that
he expected support from Germany and other EU members for Croatia at
the European Council meeting in June.
Sanader announced he would attend a ceremony marking the enlargement
of the European Union on May 1.
(Hina) vm