ZAGREB, March 26 (Hina) - A deputy to Italy's minister of productive activities, Adolfo Urso, said in Zagreb on Wednesday Croatia's admission to the European Union would speed up the settlement of the Esuli issue.
ZAGREB, March 26 (Hina) - A deputy to Italy's minister of productive
activities, Adolfo Urso, said in Zagreb on Wednesday Croatia's
admission to the European Union would speed up the settlement of the
Esuli issue. #L#
"I hope that European integration will enable the resolution of
that problem... and that the expectations of the Esuli will be met,"
Urso said after meeting Croatia's European Integration Minister
Neven Mimica.
The Italian official said he had the impression after talks with
Croatian officials that there was "an awareness that the problem
should be solved in the common European home".
Urso said the Italian government fully supported Croatia's
candidacy for EU membership and that Italy's Presidency of the EU as
of the start of July would be crucial for Croatia's admission.
Mimica said he was encouraged by Italy's understanding for
Croatia's needs and readiness to help its admission in the EU by
2007 through concrete bilateral help.
Earlier in the day the Italian official met Croatian Vice-Premier
Slavko Linic, who said he believed the two countries should step up
trade relations.
Urso said that Italian companies were very interested in
cooperation with Croatian companies and investments in Croatia,
especially in the metal, textile, footwear and leather, and
furniture industries, as well as in tourism.
(hina) rml sb