Bush meets Prime Minister Ivo Sanader of Croatia

(18 Oct 2006)
1. U.S President George W. Bush and Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader shake hands
2. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush:
"I also believe it's in the world's interest that Croatia join NATO as well as the European Union. To that end when I go to Riga I will make the case that Croatia should be admitted, seemed like a reasonable date would be 2008. We talked about bilateral relations, we talked about investments, investment opportunities in Croatia, we talked about the need to enhance trade and commerce, the Prime Minister has invited me to come. I've heard unbelievably great things about your country Mr. Prime Minister. I hear it's one of the most beautiful places on the face of the Earth. I'd love to come sometime. I gotta clear it first with my wife. Nevertheless, all and all, it's been a very good meeting. I welcome you here and thank you for coming."
3. Cut away
4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ivo Sanader, Prime Minister of Croatia:
"President and I we discussed a range of issues of bilateral concerns, especially preparations of my country to join EU and NATO, and I expressed my gratitude to the president for his constant support for Croatia on its way. Also we discussed a range of issues of regarding our regions in Southeastern Europe, the final status of Kosovo, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova. We are very active, Croatia is not forgetting that we are in the region where we still need a strong U.S. and European operation, and we believe strongly in transatlantic partnership, there is no alternative to this. I think that President Bush and the United States of America along with EU have still to be very very closely cooperating in couple of issues in Europe. So thank you very much Mr. President for warm reception and very fruitful discussion."
5. Bush and Sanader shake hands
STORYLINE:
U.S President George W. Bush gave a boost on Tuesday to Croatia's aspirations to join NATO, saying it should be admitted to the Western alliance next year.
Bush said he would recommend the 2008 timetable when he attends a NATO summit next month in Riga, Latvia.
He also said he supports Croatia's membership in the European Union.
Bush expressed his views during an Oval Office meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.
"We talked about bilateral relations, we talked about investments, investment opportunities in Croatia, we talked about the need to enhance trade and commerce," said the President at a press meeting after the talks.
One problem facing Sanader is opposition at home to NATO membership with opinion polls showing 30 percent of the population against it.
Some Croatians claim being a part of NATO would make it a terror target.
While prospects that Croatia eventually will join NATO look good, its hopes of admission to the European Union are less promising.
Sanader said this month he wants EU membership to be fast-tracked and feels his country will be ready for membership by 2008.
"Croatia is not forgetting that we are in the region where we still need a strong US and European operation, and we believe strongly in transatlantic partnership, there is no alternative to this." said Sanader.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said there could be no more EU enlargements after Romania and Bulgaria join on January 1 until the union has resolved the future of its stalled constitution.

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