ZAGREB, May 19 (Hina) - Relations with the U.S. are very important, Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula said on Monday, expressing hope that bilateral ties would further be advanced.
ZAGREB, May 19 (Hina) - Relations with the U.S. are very important,
Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula said on Monday, expressing
hope that bilateral ties would further be advanced. #L#
"I believe that our relations with the United States will not
stagnate and will not deteriorate, but that they will really
improve. But, in all aspects we should ensure the understanding for
our position, particularly in light of the fact that 1 July is
nearing - the deadline given by the U.S. Administration for the
signing a bilateral agreement on the non-extradition of American
nationals to the permanent International Criminal Court (ICC),"
the minister said addressing the Sabor's foreign affairs
committee.
Picula gave this statement after he was asked about the current
state of affairs in relations between Zagreb and Washington and
their possible worsening because of said agreement.
Responding to MPs' questions, Picula said the coming elections
should not annul the job which Croatia had to do before and after the
ballot. This refers to answers to a questionnaire with some 4,000
questions which the European Commission is likely to send to Zagreb
next month. According to him, both the answers and the
parliamentary elections can be expected in the autumn.
(hina) ms sb