NEW FOREIGN MINISTER TAKES OFFICE

ZAGREB, Jan 28 (Hina) - Croatia must not pass up the favourable moment it is in, former and current Croatian foreign ministers Mate Granic and Tonino Picula said in Zagreb Friday. During the transfer of duty, former foreign minister Mate Granic acquainted Picula with the diplomatic corps accredited in Croatia. "I have given the new minister Picula my full support," Granic said. He added the Foreign Ministry presented a serious body which should present the main column for the new Croatian Government in processes of integration with European associations and the adoption of democratic standards. The transfer of duties at the Ministry passed in the best possible order, Picula said, adding he relied on people working at the Ministry because foreign policy, especially in transitional countries, "cannot be led by only one man". Political changes in Croatia have caused a change in relations towards Croatia and this moment must be exploited, Picula said. The Foreign Ministry's priorities are the European Union, NATO and drawing closer to European associations, especially those of Central European nature, Picula said. Speaking about the Stability Pact for the South-East of Europe, Picula said it offered a multi-level cooperation, and it depended on the ability of each country as to how they would use the possibilities the Pact offered. (hina) lml