国际英语新闻:Croats say "yes" to joining EU in 2013

ZAGREB, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- About two thirds of Croatian voters who took part in Sunday's referendum said "yes" on the country's European Union (EU) membership, according to primary results released by the State Election Commission.

After counting ballots from 97.84 percent of polling stations, the State Election Commission released the results, which showed that 66.24 percent of voters have voted for the EU and about 33.17 percent were against. The turnout stands at about 43 percent.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic expressed satisfaction with the results, said "today is a big day for Croatia."

Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic said Croatia's EU membership is "a positive message" to countries in the region which want to join the EU.

Croatia began its EU accession negotiations in October 2005, and wrap up the negotiations in June 2011. The country signed its EU accession treaty in December last year.

After the referendum and ratification procedures of the accession treaty in all EU member states, croatia is set to join the 27-nation bloc in July 2013.