Zaghreb, 10/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - During Commissioner Patten's visit to Croatia, the Commission raised its repesentation in Croatia to Embassy status. Mr Patten reiterated on this occasion the objective of opening negotiations for a stability and association areement as soon as possible. The date will depend on the conclusions of the report being prepared by the Commission services on the basis of a fact-finding mission, expected to be ready early this summer. If the conclusions are positive, the Commission will recommend that the Council authorise the start of negotiations. Meanwhile, Commissioner Patteen congratulated the new Government of Croatia for the political and economic initiatives it has already taken.