ZAGREB, Dec 23 (Hina) - Economic and social development in conditions of stability, GDP growth, a development-oriented state budget, and membership in the European Union and NATO are some of the priorities of the new Croatian
government, whose programme and make-up were presented by Prime Minister-designate Ivo Sanader in parliament on Tuesday.
ZAGREB, Dec 23 (Hina) - Economic and social development in conditions
of stability, GDP growth, a development-oriented state budget, and
membership in the European Union and NATO are some of the priorities
of the new Croatian government, whose programme and make-up were
presented by Prime Minister-designate Ivo Sanader in parliament on
Tuesday.#L#
Sanader announced changes to the tax system, which are aimed at
facilitating economic development, reducing taxes and ensuring a more
efficient collection of claims.
He announced a new privatisation strategy with a concept of
reconstruction and
restructuring of companies relying on their own knowledge, and the
promotion of Croatia as an attractive business environment.
He also announced a new programme of development of areas of special
state interest.
The PM-designate reiterated several times that the priorities of his
government were a stronger economy, the revival of production, the
stimulation of employment, and a lower foreign debt and balance of
payments deficit.
The new government will pay special attention to the rule of law
through a consistent reform of the judiciary, its de-politicisation, a
strict system of control, and the prosecution of bribery, corruption
and grey economy.
Sanader also considers important the reform of state administration
and local self-government bodies and the maritime orientation of the
country.
He announced a new strategy of national security with the continuation
of the reform of defence and police forces.
The government will pay attention to the development of social
relations, especially the strengthening of the rights and interests of
national minorities.
Sanader promised higher standards in health, culture, tourism,
housing, refugee return and property repossession, as well as the
improvement of the financial status of pensioners and the position of
women in society.
The most important goal in the area of foreign policy is membership in
the EU and NATO, Sanader said. The government will do its best to
speed up talks on Croatia's admission into the EU so that the country
can become a full member before the end of its term, he said, thanking
the Racan government for what it had done in that regard.
The new government will advocate good relations with neighbouring
countries on the basis of equality and reciprocity in resolving
outstanding issues, Sanader said, adding his government would support
the neighbours' admission to the EU and NATO based on the individual
approach.
The PM-designate said the government would continue cooperating with
the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague and respecting its
international obligations. Croatia has already established a stable
and credible legal system which can assume obligations towards the
tribunal, he said.
Sanader called on parties to rise above divisions between them in
light of the challenges Croatia is facing and to reach a consensus on
important national issues.
Sanader said that his government was aware that it would not be easy
to resolve the problems at hand. "This is a government of realistic
and responsible people willing to work tirelessly," he said, urging
all social partners and social groups to "embark on a new stage of
shaping Croatia's future".
(Hina) rml sb