By REUTERS
BRUSSELS - Croatia is poised to become the European Union's 28th member in July 2013 after the ex-Yugoslav state signed an accession treaty on Friday.EU politicians hope Croatia's membership, a reward for deep democratic and economic reforms, will persuade other countries in the Balkans that reforms pay off and accelerate democratic transition in a region torn by ethnic wars in the 1990s.Later, European leaders are expected to delay a decision on granting Serbia the status of EU membership candidate, because of concerns over Belgrade's failure to mend relations with its former province Kosovo.
Al Jazeera bureau chief calls Israeli closure political
