LJUBLJANA, June 13 (Hina) - Slovene Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek on Thursday stated that he expected the continuation of dialogue with Croatian counterpart Ivica Racan but excluded the possibility of his government's consenting to
new negotiations over contentious issues, particularly a border deal.
LJUBLJANA, June 13 (Hina) - Slovene Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek
on Thursday stated that he expected the continuation of dialogue
with Croatian counterpart Ivica Racan but excluded the possibility
of his government's consenting to new negotiations over
contentious issues, particularly a border deal. #L#
"It is difficult or impossible to... start negotiating again on
matters we have already concluded and that have been endorsed by
both governments," Drnovsek said at a press conference.
"I think that it was time we continued our dialogue and ascertained
where we are and what each side expects," Drnovsek said with regard
to a meeting with Racan which is scheduled some time this month. The
two officials should once again discuss contentious issues
relating to agreements on the border and the jointly owned Krsko
nuclear power plant.
Drnovsek said that any new negotiations would give the same or
similar results and there was no guarantee that any other solution
would be accepted.
He added that Slovenia wanted contentious inter-state issues to be
concluded soon so that both countries could focus on integration
processes.
It is the ability to negotiate that separates Slovenia and Croatia
from the typical Balkan situation, Drnovsek said.
(hina) sp sb