ZAGREB, May 11 (Hina) - The situation in certain Balkan countries and in Caucasus were the main issues discussed at the formal part of the 108th session of the Council of Europe Ministerial Committee held in Strasbourg on Thursday and
Friday, while the traditional informal ministerial meeting focused on relations between the CoE and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The meeting was attended by Bosnia's Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija, Croatia's Foreign Ministry reported in a statement today. In her speech, Croatia's Deputy Foreign Minister Vesna Cvjetkovic Kurelec pointed out the need for establishing long-term stability and progress in the region as essential preconditions of full accession into European integration processes, which is Croatia's high priority. Croatia reiterated its support to Bosnia's quick access into the Council of Europe, with accentuated stimulation to democratic processes, especially the adoption of a
ZAGREB, May 11 (Hina) - The situation in certain Balkan countries
and in Caucasus were the main issues discussed at the formal part of
the 108th session of the Council of Europe Ministerial Committee
held in Strasbourg on Thursday and Friday, while the traditional
informal ministerial meeting focused on relations between the CoE
and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The meeting was attended by Bosnia's
Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija, Croatia's Foreign Ministry
reported in a statement today.
In her speech, Croatia's Deputy Foreign Minister Vesna Cvjetkovic
Kurelec pointed out the need for establishing long-term stability
and progress in the region as essential preconditions of full
accession into European integration processes, which is Croatia's
high priority.
Croatia reiterated its support to Bosnia's quick access into the
Council of Europe, with accentuated stimulation to democratic
processes, especially the adoption of a permanent electoral law
which will ensure protection of individual civil rights and
equality of all three constitutive peoples, the ministry statement
said.
In the context of Yugoslavia's candidacy for membership into the
CoE, Croatia reiterated its readiness to normalise relations, but
also pointed out the necessity for the fulfilment of all
preconditions for membership in the organisation. She also
applauded the apprehension of the former Yugoslav President,
Slobodan Milosevic, and expressed hope all war crimes suspects
currently in Yugoslavia would be brought before the Hague-based
international war crimes tribunal soon, the ministry reported.
During her visit to Strasbourg, Kurelec met Council of Europe's
deputy secretary-general Hans-Cristian Schumann. They expressed
satisfaction with Croatia's constructive contribution to the
stability in the region. The two sides confirmed a high level of
cooperation in the implementation of joint projests so far,
including projects within the Stability Pact.
(hina) lml