CROATIAN AMBASSADOR TO ROME COMMENTS ON ITALIAN STATEMENT

ROME, Oct 3 (Hina) - Croatia's Ambassador to Italy, Drago Kraljevic, said on Friday evening that the Italian statement on the Croatian government's intention to ask the parliament to proclaim a fishing and ecological zone in the Adriatic was expected, and he assessed that Italy had not changed its stand to support Croatia on its path towards the European Union. #L# "It could be expected that on behalf of the EU, Italy would express concern over the Croatian government's decision regarding the proclamation of an ecological and fishing zone in the Adriatic. According to my estimates and on the basis of the experience from negotiations, I consider as favourable Italy's support of Croatia on its path towards European integration processes. Italy has not changed its position regarding its support to Croatia," Ambassador Kraljevic. Asked to comment on Italy's warnings about unilateral decisions, Kraljevic described it as expected as it was the practice of the EU to solve issues through dialogue rather than unilateral decisions. "This also could be expected, as all European countries are advised to avoid making unilateral decisions," Kraljevic said. The Croatian diplomat said Italy would not put up any obstacles on Croatia's path towards the EU, and it would in a certain manner express understanding for the Croatian national interests and Zagreb's position. "The third section of the statement reads that the Italian Presidency trusts that Croatia's commitment to future European integration, which Italy supports, will make it possible for Croatian authorities to avoid decisions destined to raise tension without contributing to the pursuit of lasting and shared solutions. This means that Italy supports Croatia on the road to the EU. It could also be interpreted that Italy understands in a certain manner the Croatian national interests," Kraljevic said. He added that it was also important that Zagreb had announced that the enforcement of the decision would be suspended for one year which would facilitate the removal of disagreements that had emerged so far. (hina) ms