SARAJEVO, ZAGREB AND BELGRADE SIGN PROTOCOL ON TRI-BORDER AREAS

SARAJEVO, Oct 2 (Hina) - Heads of the inter-state diplomatic commissions for borders of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia- Montenegro on Thursday signed a protocol defining tri-border points at the frontiers between the said countries. #L# Under the protocol, the northern tri-border point is upstream on the Sava River in Croatia's village of Racinovci, while the southern point is above the village of Dubravka in Herzegovina- Neretva Canton (the Bosnian Croat-Muslim federation). The protocol was signed by Assistant Foreign Minister Olga Kresovic-Rogulja on behalf of Croatia. She said that the conclusion of this document, although it was of a technical nature, was very important for all the three countries. "This is a big step forward in the regulation of bilateral relations," she said after the signing ceremony. The Croatian official added that by this act the three countries had shown that they were capable of solving open issues in line with European standards. The practical importance of the protocol is that it will help in efforts to determine the borderline between Croatia and its two neighbours. As regards Zagreb and Sarajevo, this document will make it possible for the two countries to ratify a bilateral border agreement. As regards Zagreb and Belgrade, this will facilitate efforts aimed at solving other open issues concerning the border. The head of the Bosnian border commission, Zoran Tegeltija, said that all the three countries showed that they could have a flexible approach to border problems and ensure the openness of the border as a precondition for overall cooperation. The head of the delegation of Serbia-Montenegro, Dusan Crnogorcevic, expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the protocol, saying that it was proof that problems could be solved if parties in concern demonstrated good will. (hina) ms