After Lord Robertson’s opening speech, Minister Picula opened a panel discussion entitled Support for Democratic Transformation – How to Make the Best Use of New Instruments. In his speech, Minister Picula stressed the importance of the Partnership for Peace and the Membership Action Plan mechanisms in the successful carrying out of the reforms, and made an overview of what Croatia has achieved so far in that field. He also stressed that the change in government will not swerve Croatia from its road to full NATO and EU membership.
Minister Picula further emphasised that Croatia is
willing to support the entry of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and
Montenegro into the Partnership for Peace, and offers its knowledge
and experiences gathered in that process.