ZAGREB ZAGREB, May 6 (Hina) - A diplomatic forum organised by the Institute for International Relations on the occasion of Europe Day was held in Zagreb on Monday. In attendance were European Integration Minister Neven Mimica,
representatives of the diplomatic corps in Croatia, non-governmental organisations, and independent academic experts.
ZAGREB, May 6 (Hina) - A diplomatic forum organised by the Institute
for International Relations on the occasion of Europe Day was held
in Zagreb on Monday. In attendance were European Integration
Minister Neven Mimica, representatives of the diplomatic corps in
Croatia, non-governmental organisations, and independent
academic experts. #L#
Speaking about Croatia's position in the Stabilisation and
Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union (EU), Mimica
said Croatia had passed the first six months of SAA implementation
and now had a lot to do in terms of internal reforms.
This year is important because Croatia intends to apply for EU
membership in 2003, he said.
Even though some SAA measures are late in being implemented,
Croatia has decided to implement everything by the end of this year
and leave other measures for 2003, Mimica added.
Asked if this plan were not a little too optimistic, the minister
answered that it was "ambitious, but not unfeasible." He added the
first results would be seen in 2006, when the transitional period
should be over.
The main goal of Croatia's foreign policy in the coming period is
moving from the status of potential candidate to that of actual
candidate for EU membership, said Mimica.
Next year Croatia wishes to be in the first group of candidates,
together with Romania and Bulgaria, he added.
(hina) ha sb