Croatian Foreign Minister Miomir Žužul and Defence Minister Berislav Rončević are heading the Croatian delegation at the regular annual meeting with members of the North Atlantic Council, held 30 April 2004 at the NATO headquarters in Bruxelles
The basis for the meeting of North Atlantic Council with Croatia was the NATO Report on progress in the implementation of the Annual National Program for 2003-2004, which in a very positive and objective way reviews the progress Croatia has made in political-economic issues, military and defence issues, and resources, security and legal issues.
At the meeting, Croatia received support for its integration into the Euro Atlantic structures (EU and NATO) and commendations for satisfying the political membership criteria (improved co-operation with the Hague Tribunal, progress in the field of minority rights, refugees return) and armed forces reform.
Ambassadors of NATO members also commended the participation of a military police platoon in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, pointing out that Croats have shown a high level of knowledge, efficiency and professionality. Fields in which Croatia should continue progressing are justice reform, property and refugee return, and solving corruption.
The conclusion of the meeting was that Croatia is on the best way to membership, and its progress in approaching NATO and EU described as a stabilising and motivating factor for other countries in the region.
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