ZAGREB, May 24 (Hina)- The Croatian Foreign Ministry on Friday expressed regret with the fact that relations with Slovenia have become a frequent negative topic for the media and that "sharp and public reactions" to every event in
Piran Bay prevent the establishment of a mutually useful border regime.
ZAGREB, May 24 (Hina)- The Croatian Foreign Ministry on Friday
expressed regret with the fact that relations with Slovenia have
become a frequent negative topic for the media and that "sharp and
public reactions" to every event in Piran Bay prevent the
establishment of a mutually useful border regime. #L#
The Ministry issued a special statement in reaction to two protest
notes that Slovenia handed over to Croatia because of Croatia's
allegedly "one-sided act" related to the setting up a shell growing
farm in Piran Bay and a concession granted to the oil company INA
which enables the company to search for oil and gas near the Slovene
territorial waters.
The Ministry states with regret that "relations with the Republic
of Slovenia have recently become a frequent topic for the media and
a negative one at that".
Relations with Slovenia, the statement notes, are based on the
principle of good neighbourly relations and are "high on the list of
Croatia's foreign policy priorities, which include support for the
resolution of all questions in an open, constructive dialogue".
"Sharp and public reactions to any event in Piran Bay do not
contribute to creating a favourable atmosphere for the
establishment and development of a border regime that would be of
use to both sides," the statement reads.
The Republic of Croatia has decided to implement the Agreement on
Border Traffic and Co-operation in Border Areas on the Sea in an
effort to develop relations that would in the future prevent any
incidents in Piran Bay, the statement says.
"Piran Bay and the border area on the sea should be a space for
positive efforts to develop mutual co-operation for both
countries. All the more so because this region still has not been
defined and regulated by any agreement on demarcation," reads the
statement.
The Ministry once again reiterated its position that the
"initialled Agreement on the Joint State Border is not a document
that is legally binding".
There is not any other bilaterally binding document on temporary
demarcation in the area, except for the provisions of Article 15 of
the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which both countries are
signatories and are legally bound by them.
At present, the relevant bodies should not cross the central line in
Piran Bay while performing their duties and Croatia supports such
conduct in the area that will prevent incidents. The Agreement on
Border Traffic and Co-operation, too, is internationally binding
for both countries and should be the basis upon which to organise
life in the area with regard to procedures and mutual relations,
regardless of the fact that the demarcation line has not been
legally determined. The Croatian side has invested a great deal of
effort in this regard and is prepared to continue working on this
project, the Ministry's statement said.
At the end of the statement, the Ministry dismisses interpretations
according to which different levels of association with Euro-
Atlantic organisations should ensure a privileged status for any
side in resolving contentious issues.
(hina) sp rml