ZAGREB, Oct 2 (Hina) - The Croatian government met behind closed doors on Thursday to discuss plans to expand Croatian jurisdiction in the Adriatic, and was expected to present its decision on the matter to the parliament on
Friday.
ZAGREB, Oct 2 (Hina) - The Croatian government met behind closed
doors on Thursday to discuss plans to expand Croatian jurisdiction
in the Adriatic, and was expected to present its decision on the
matter to the parliament on Friday. #L#
According to unofficial information, leaders of the ruling
coalition, who already considered the issue, in principle support a
proposal that a fishing and ecological zone be proclaimed in the
Adriatic, and such a decision would not take effect immediately but
in one year's time.
The Croatian Peasant Party (HSS) reportedly asked why Zagreb should
declare only an ecological and fishing zone and not an economic
exclusive zone (EEZ), when the difference between the two is
minimum.
The HSS is said to be advocating the declaration of the economic
belt.
According to available information, the government is to present
its proposal to MPs tomorrow and ask them to take a stand.
The cabinet wants to have the parliament's position before Premier
Ivica Racan takes Croatia's answers to the European Commission
questionnaire in Brussels on 9 October.
The ruling coalition needs 76 votes of MPs in favour of the
government's proposal to adopt it.
The government has to decide whether it will propose to the
parliament the declaration of a fishing zone, which implies
consultations on fishing methods and the quantity of the catch, or
the proclamation of an EEZ, which means expanding Croatia's
jurisdiction to the middle of the Adriatic Sea.
(hina) ms sb