ZAGREB, Jan 16 (Hina) - Croatian Vice-Premier Slavko Linic said on Wednesday he hoped the governments of neighbouring countries would accept the reasons which prompted Croatia to impose a ban on oil transport by road through its
territory, particularly its fight against grey economy and corruption.
ZAGREB, Jan 16 (Hina) - Croatian Vice-Premier Slavko Linic said on
Wednesday he hoped the governments of neighbouring countries would
accept the reasons which prompted Croatia to impose a ban on oil
transport by road through its territory, particularly its fight
against grey economy and corruption. #L#
We expect the governments of neighbouring countries to support
Croatia in its fight against grey economy, Linic said at a brief
press conference in the government building in Zagreb.
Reasons for banning the transit of oil cisterns through Croatia
include environmental concerns, safer traffic and the fight
against grey economy as well as the protection of tax revenues.
Companies for the transport of oil and oil products can switch to
maritime or rail transport without any major problems or having to
increase their costs, Linic said.
Apart from the already known official reactions, neighbouring
countries have also announced the possibility of forwarding
protest notes, Linic admitted. This, he added, should be handled by
the Foreign Ministry, which should try to explain the reasons for
introducing the ban to Croatia's neighbours.
The vice-premier did not give a direct answer as to whether the ban
was in keeping with World Trade Organisation regulations, which
Slovene officials disputed in a protest note. It is the Foreign
Ministry that should discuss the measure and agreements signed with
international institutions with the Slovene ministry, he said.
(hina) sb rml