Croatian President-elect Ivo Josipovic has spoken to Austria's Der Standard daily about his goals once he takes office, highlighting his pro-Europe orientation and saying he would like to see Croatia in the European Union by 2012.
"I would like it very much if Croatia joined the EU on January 1,2012," the newspaper quoted him as saying in its Sunday's issue.
Josipovic said the main task of his presidential term would be the fightagainst corruption at the highest level, as "it represents a danger toCroatia's security".
Asked about cooperation with Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, he said that aspresident he was obliged to cooperate with the PM, adding this was not aproblem for him and that he would focus on what united all political forces --fighting corruption and overcoming the current crisis on the home policy front,and accession to the EU and better relations with neighbouring countries on theforeign policy front.
Speaking of democratic standards, Josipovic said he saw Austria as a countryto look up to.
"Austria helped Croatia as it was gaining independence and in buildinga European Croatia. We can't just take over the Austrian model, but we canrecognise the values and do what we have to do, and with Austria's support weare certainly a step closer to the EU," Der Standard quoted Josipovic assaying.
