Croatia wraps up preparations to join EUJuly 1, 2011 - 12:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Croatia wrapped up its preparations to join the European Union on Thursday, June 30, after its vigorous anti-corruption reforms softened the bloc's reluctance to expand, Reuters reports. After six years of negotiations, marred by EU concerns over slow judiciary reforms and Croatia's approach to its war-time past, the ex-Yugoslav state ended work on the final policy areas in which its laws needed to be adjusted to EU rules. Its anti-graft efforts will continue to face EU scrutiny, however, while its accession treaty is being drafted in Brussels in the coming months and parliaments throughout the bloc ratify it. This may threaten Croatia's aim of joining the world's largest economic and trade bloc in July 2013, if reform progress is disappointing and lawmakers stall, EU diplomats say. In Croatia, which would be one of the EU's poorest countries once admitted, policymakers are hoping for an economic boost from EU aid after accession and a rebound in foreign investment, decimated throughout the region by global woes. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |