Zagreb - Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader unexpectedly announced his resignation Wednesday, saying he was withdrawing from politics. "I decided that I have done my share. It is time for others," he told a hastily-called press conference. "Croatia is now the leader in this part of Europe, with all conditions for development and growth."
Sanader, 56, insisted he was of good health but uninterested in Euroepan politics despite "some offers."
After reforming the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) since he replaced late president Franjo Tudjman in 2000, he said he would remain in it only as a honorary chairman.
He became prime minister in late 2003 and won re-election in November 2007. Sanader said he would propose deputy premier Jadranka Kosor as his successor.
