LJUBLJANA, Sept 12 (Hina) - Slovenia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that after consultations in Ljubljana, its ambassador to Croatia, Peter Bekes, had returned to Zagreb.
LJUBLJANA, Sept 12 (Hina) - Slovenia's Foreign Ministry said in a
statement on Friday that after consultations in Ljubljana, its
ambassador to Croatia, Peter Bekes, had returned to Zagreb. #L#
Bekes' return to Zagreb is an attempt to constructively contribute
to the settlement of issues with Croatia ahead of a meeting
representatives of the two foreign ministries are due to hold in
Ljubljana on Tuesday to address Croatia's intention to expand
jurisdiction in the Adriatic, read the statement.
Ljubljana recalled Bekes from Zagreb for consultations over
statements made by Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula which
Slovenia said deteriorated relations between the two neighbouring
countries and negated its right to access the open sea.
Slovene diplomats said today they expected Bekes' return to Zagreb
would make Croatia, too, take a constructive approach and
acknowledge the equal positions, rights and interests of both
countries.
Slovenia's Foreign Ministry yesterday confirmed next week's
meeting in Ljubljana, reiterating that it would be an informative
meeting at experts' level, not a political one.
Ljubljana also hopes the meeting will lead to consultations among
Slovenia, Croatia and other Adriatic countries aimed at reaching a
common stance ahead of a conference on fishing in the Mediterranean
at Venice in November.
(hina) ha