Welcome to the August issue of Croats in London
This month: Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader visits London, In the Press, University Challenge

Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader visits London

Last month was important in terms of Croatia - UK relations. Prime Minister Ivo Sanader visited London, meeting with Tony Blair and giving a speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Sanader met with Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street on 18 July for talks. It was the first official meeting between Prime Ministers of both countries, giving it a historical significance. After the meeting, Blair said that the two countries enjoy a “very strong relationship” and that “Britain wants Croatia as a full member of the European Union, the sole question is meeting the criteria - meet the criteria, you come in, and that is the same for Croatia or any other country.”

Prime Minister Sanader said, “The UK is one of the leading countries in advocating enlargement of the European Union, including Croatia.” He then invited Tony Blair to visit Croatia.

In response to a question on EU ‘enlargement fatigue’, Blair said that “.there is no political block at all on Croatia coming in. That political decision has been taken. Britain wants Croatia as a full member of the European Union.”

The meeting seemed to be very positive, and contrasted with the rocky relationship the two countries have had in the past.
Sanader at the International Institute for Strategic Studies

Sanader also gave a speech at the IISS on 18 July 2006, entitled “Croatia: the 28th EU Member State”. The speech concerned itself with Croatia’s suitability for joining the European Union. He emphasised Croatia’s suitability for joining the EU saying that “We are confident that Croatia can be ready to vote in the European elections in 2009 as the 28th EU Member State.”
Sanader at the Bank of England

Sanader was very busy on his trip to London; he also went to the Bank of England on 19 July to give a briefing on Croatia’s situation, in particular on the economy and investment opportunities.

In the Press

The Sunday Times of 23 July ran a piece by Richard Green on the charms of Zagreb.
Why should people go? “Because it’s a terrific little capital, with quirky sights, good
food and a great outoorsy vibe” he wrote.

Amongst other things he also said that “Zagreb has a pub culture to rival London’s,
though it’s arguably rather more civilised” and that “Strukli are the omnipresent Zagreb
speciality, made from cottage cheese and pastry baked in a cream sauce.” The article
gained coverage in the Croatian press such as the 24 July issue of Metro Express.

A small kerfuffle occurred when the Financial Times on 21 July claimed that the capture
of General Ante Gotovina was a negotiated surrender. After protests from Croat officials,
the FT ran a correction in its 24 July edition. Gotovina was indeed arrested and had not
surrendered.

University Challenge

On the 1 August edition of BBC 2’s popular University Challenge: The Professionals, one of the contestants on the winning team was a Croat, Dorjana Sirola from Rijeka.

Noticeboard

Only events run by known and reputable bodies will be listed here.

Up to 11 September 2006 : ‘Croatia in Light and Colour: Postcards from Croatia 1898-1921’ organised by the Croatian embassy and the Zagreb Museum of Arts and Crafts. Monday to Friday 11.00 AM - 4.00 PM Location: Croatian Embassy.

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