CROATIAN-RUSSIAN REGULAR CONSULTATIONS

ZAGREB, May 24 (Hina)- Deputy Foreign Minister Vesna Cvjetkovic- Kurelec on Friday conducted a meeting as part of regular consultations with Assistant Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Razov. #L# As stated by the Foreign Ministry, bilateral issues were discussed as was the state in the region and other issues of importance to both countries. Evaluating bilateral relations between the two countries as very positive and highlighting the potential for further strengthening, particularly in economic matters, potential projects were examined of common interest. These being in the field of energy, ship- building, agriculture, tourism, science and culture. The meeting also examined models to resolve the clearing debt of the former USSR and it was agreed that negotiations should be commenced at an expert level. This and other issues will be discussed at a Combined Government Commission to be held in Zagreb on June 14. Cvjetkovic-Kurelec informed her counterpart about Croatia's attitude toward the finalisation of the UN mandate on Prevlaka and asked for Russia's support as part of the UN Security Council. Croatia emphasises that stability in this region is in its primary interest and Cvjetkovic-Kurelec confirmed Croatia's determination to implement transparent politics towards neighbouring countries. Circumstances in neighbouring Bosnia was discussed and she stressed Croatia's opinion that all relevant mechanisms should be engaged to enable the equality of all three constitutive nations in Bosnia. There was also some talk about the situation in Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro. Razov pointed out Russia's view of future relations between Moscow and NATO, relevant to the recent meeting between Putin-Bush in Moscow. He also spoke about Russia's attitude with regard to the security situation in the world with particular emphasis on the Balkans as well as central Asia and of Russia's relations with other major factors in the international community. (hina) lml