LEADING CROATIAN CATHOLIC WEEKLY COMMENTS ON FISHING ZONE

ZAGREB, Oct 9 (Hina) - The editorial of the latest issue of the leading Croatian Catholic weekly 'Glas Koncila' is focused on the recent decision of the parliament to declare a protected fishing and ecological zone in the Adriatic sea. #L# The editorial entitled "Does Croatia Have the Right to Protect Its Own Interests?" reads that the developments and reactions following the proclamation of the decision revealed that "the European Union is not treating Croatia as a partner but as a less valuable and unequal country". "Perhaps the greatest value of the declaration of the protected fishing and ecological zone in the Adriatic sea lies in the fact that it has become a challenge for the countries we regard as friends to show their true face," the weekly said. According to the editorial, Croatia is now under the pressure of the EU because it dared to protect partly its national interests in accordance with international law. The Croatian decision prompted Slovene politicians to reveal their position. With only their own interests in mind, they want to restrict legitimate Croatian interests, which are in compliance with international law. Slovene politicians are lecturing Croatians on "the European method of consultation an co-ordination", while at the same time Slovenia fails to respect the private deposits of Croats in Ljubljanska Banka, keeps its army on Mt. Sveta Gera, and is not repaying the debt for the Croatian portion of electricity from the Krsko nuclear power plant, it said. (hina) ms