Croatian Foreign Minister Miomir Žužul, who is heading the Croatian delegation on an official visit to Great Britain, met today in London with British government high officials: Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Defence Geoff Hoon, Minister for Europe Denis MacShane, and Director General at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office John Sawers
Today’s talks are the continuation of building stronger relations between Croatia and Great Britain. Minister Žužul talked at Britain’s Foreign Office about the issues that Croatia is faced with on its way to the EU, as well as about the bilateral relations between the two countries, especially the visa regime. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw expressed his conviction that the visa regime issue would soon by the British side. When talking about the ratification of the SAA, Foreign Secretary Straw said that it will depend on Croatia’s co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal at the Hague. Minister Žužul informed his British colleagues that the Croatian government is determined to continue co-operating with the Hague and that there would be no obstacles in relations with the Tribunal. The Croatian Foreign Minister was given clear notice in London that he can count on the support from the British government. Minister Žužul talked with MM. Straw and MacShane about all aspect of the co-operation with the Hague, but there was no mention of any specific cases.
Today’s talks in London between Croatian and British high officials mark an important step forward and represent the most that could have been done at the moment. They are to be followed by events that will back up the British government’s words of support. The main characteristic of these talks is the mutual wish for the strengthening of friendly relations between the two countries. The ratification of the SAA will ensue once the British government is convinced that Croatia is fully co-operating with the Hague Tribunal. After the talks, Minister Žužul expressed his conviction that Great Britain will be consistent and principled in its support of Croatia joining the EU.
With Secretary of State for Defence Geoff Hoon Minister Žužul talked about Croatia’s future engagement in view of its approaching the NATO alliance. The two ministers also talked about US Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumslefd’s recent visit to Croatia and his talks with the highest Croatian officials. Is was established that the US and Great Britain have identical positions. Minister Žužul asked the British Secretary of State for Defence for support from his government, as well as his own, of Croatia joining NATO, and received a clear confirmation of a firm support.
The Croatian delegation, led by Croatian Foreign Minister Žužul, is meeting tomorrow, 12 February 2004, in London, with distinguished economic experts and investors, and later that day is leaving for an official visit to Germany.
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