Daul leads praise as Croatia's PM quits

European People's Party (EPP) chairman Joseph Daul has praised outgoing Croatian prime minister Ivo Sanader.

Sanader is said to have resigned over his country's slow progress on EU accession.

Croatia joined Nato in April, but the EU accession process has been put on hold over a border dispute with Slovenia.

Daul said Sanader "has been at the helm of Croatia in the last six years and he was the major driving force behind Croatia's ongoing EU integration".

"I am personally saddened to see Sanader leave, because in my last years in parliament, I have witnessed his country transform under his leadership," he added.
 
"The EPP has had a solid and stable partner with Sanader and we are certain to continue the same successful cooperation with his successor.
 
"We have every faith that Croatia will continue with its EU accession negotiations with the same determination as they have done so far."

Elsewhere, EPP president Wilfried Martens expressed his sadness over the decision, describing Sanader as a "true European political leader".

"He had the political strength to reform his party into a pro-European force that would lead Croatia on the track for EU accession," Martens added.
 
"As PM he worked hard to bring his country to European standards and negotiated vigorously and in good faith Croatia's accession to the EU.

"His energy and perseverance always shined through during his numerous appearances at the EU summits. He has always been a good friend and colleague and he will always be seen as a leading EPP figure.
 
"I would also like to express to his successor my best wishes in her new tasks and to continue with the same vigour Croatia’s accession process."

Further praise came from commission president José Manuel Barroso, who said, "Sanader's leadership and commitment to European integration was instrumental to the progress we made.

"I encourage Croatia now to continue with the important reforms still ahead to get ready for EU membership."

Sanader denied that he would try to keep his grip on power by setting his sights on the presidency next year.

"I have decided to withdraw from active politics and not to run for the presidency," he said.

"My job has been done, my political life ends now."

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