EVENING NEWS 29.5.2002. Great Britain Offers Five Million Pounds Support to Croatia At a press conference in Zagreb Wednesday European Integration Minister, Neven Mimica, and the Secretary for Southeast Europe at the Foreign Office, Denis MacShane, told reporters Great Britain wished to help Croatia in its approach to the EU and that five million pounds over a period of three years had been earmarked for the purpose. The money will be used for furthering the efficiency of the state administration in solving issues related to European integration, issues related the judiciary branch and internal affairs, especially the solution of problems such as crime, corruption, the development of a market economy, education, employment, the reform of the health and social welfare systems, refugee return, environment protection, agriculture and regional growth, the media and the coordination of a joint EU foreign and security policy. MacShane said he hoped the plan would encourage Croatia to continue with reforms, with the refugee return programme and with its cooperation with the ICTY. He also asked General Gotovina to appear before the Tribunal and thus remove the greatest obstacle to normal relations between Croatia and the EU. He also announced that “Croatia’s request for full-fledged EU membership might arrive earlier than expected”. Croatia officials have confirmed that Croatia might submit a request for EU membership as early as 2003. Distributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know!
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