ZAGREB/ROSENHEIM, May 1 (Hina) - Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic and a delegation of the Croatian Paneuropean Union took part in a two-day conference of Paneuropean Union members in the Bavarian city of Rosenheim dedicated to
Saturday's enlargement of the European Union to 10 new members.
ZAGREB/ROSENHEIM, May 1 (Hina) - Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic and a
delegation of the Croatian Paneuropean Union took part in a two-day
conference of Paneuropean Union members in the Bavarian city of
Rosenheim dedicated to Saturday's enlargement of the European Union to
10 new members.#L#
Welcoming the participants in the conference, Paneuropean Union
president Otto von Habsburg said today was a big day for the EU and
that Croatia, a county rich in Mediterranean and Central European
culture and tradition, undoubtedly belonged in it.
He added Croatia did not belong in the Western Balkans as some would
like because Croatia's culture, arts, science, economy and politics
had always made it a constituent part of Europe.
In his address Minister Biskupic said the new Croatian government's
policy advocated the equality of all Croatian citizens, respect for
human rights, especially of minorities, as well as for diversity.
"This is why Croatia's goal is to enter the European Union and good
relations with its members."
He added Croatia was ready and capable of contributing to the building
of the new, 21st century Europe. "Croatia is already a bridge between
the EU and Southeast Europe," he said, adding that peace, stability
and progress in relations with neighbouring countries were vital for
Croatia.
The president of the German Paneuropean Union, Bernd Posselt, said
Croatia's new government had made huge steps towards EU membership.
He cited Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader's meetings with
representatives of the Italian and Serb minorities and the Serb
Orthodox Church late last and early this year, which Posselt said
indicated that coexistence in Croatia was possible and that minorities
were not a burden but a value. Posselt added that Sanader's statement
to that effect should serve as an example and be incorporated in
European documents concerning minorities.
Also present at the conference, among others, was the president of the
Bosnian Bishops' Conference, Banja Luka bishop Franjo Komarica.
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