MINISTER GRANIC SATISFIED WITH STRASBOURG TALKS

STRASBOURG, Jan 24 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic today met his Danish counterpart, Nieles Helveg Petersen, and the Council of Europe Ministerial Committee. "Today's talks came at the right moment and we can expect the procedure of Croatia's admittance to the Council of Europe to continue," Granic told reporters after the talks. "Naturally, Croatia must do everything for its part and ensure the rule of law in the newly-liberated areas and the respect of human rights," he said. Minister Petersen, who doubles as the chairman of the Ministerial Committee, "supported all Croatia's efforts and backed its admittance to the Council of Europe," according to Granic. The issue would be further discussed at the March session of the Political Committee and later in the Parliamentary Assembly, Granic said. "The UN Secretary-General's report, which is expected in mid- February, will also have some weight," he said. "Many participants in today's meeting expressed their support to Croatia, not only with regard to the Council of Europe membership, but also concerning its efforts to normalise relations in the region and to join European integrations," Granic concluded. (hina) as 241318 MET jan 96