LJUBLJANA, Aug 29 (Hina) - The European commissioner for agriculture and fisheries has said the European Commission (EC) would be willing to mediate between Croatia and Slovenia with regard to the proclamation of an economic zone in
the Adriatic if both sides requested so, and that the proclamation of such a zone is in keeping with international law and not contrary to membership in the EU.
LJUBLJANA, Aug 29 (Hina) - The European commissioner for
agriculture and fisheries has said the European Commission (EC)
would be willing to mediate between Croatia and Slovenia with
regard to the proclamation of an economic zone in the Adriatic if
both sides requested so, and that the proclamation of such a zone is
in keeping with international law and not contrary to membership in
the EU. #L#
Brussels opposes the unilateral proclamation of such zones, Franz
Fischler told Slovene television in connection with a letter
Slovene officials sent him a week ago requesting the EC take a stand
on Croatia's intention to proclaim an economic zone in the
Adriatic, Slovene news agency STA said on Thursday evening.
Fischler said he could not act as judge in the matter and that the
two countries' representatives needed to meet and discuss the
issue. If they request political assistance, the EC will extend it
but both sides must request so, he said.
Fischler indirectly denied Slovene officials' claims that the
European Union opposes the proclamation of economic zones in the
Mediterranean or elsewhere. Coastal countries are entitled to
establish such zones and membership in the EU does not change that,
he said.
Fischler said that in principle the EU was in favour of the
proclamation of fishing zones as a way of improving the management
of marine life, but that from a political point of view dialogue was
necessary, as was customary between neighbouring countries.
(hina) ha