ZAGREB, July 12 (Hina) - Outgoing Vice-Premier Slavko Linic on Friday spoke in Zagreb with European Commission officials about exporting sugar from Croatia to the European Union, the government reported.
ZAGREB, July 12 (Hina) - Outgoing Vice-Premier Slavko Linic on
Friday spoke in Zagreb with European Commission officials about
exporting sugar from Croatia to the European Union, the government
reported. #L#
The 'Jutarnji list' daily of Friday reported that three EU
countries - Italy, Germany, and Austria - had introduced special
levies of up to 10,000 euros per truck for sugar exporters from
Croatia because the EC suspected the origin of the sugar.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Foreign Minister
Tonino Picula, the EC's director-general for foreign affairs, Guy
Legras, confirmed that he had discussed the sugar problem with
Vice-Premier Slavko Linic, adding ways had been found to solve the
problem.
A government statement quoted Linic as saying the government was
investing considerable efforts to combat illegal trade and grey
economy. A special investigation was conducted in the sugar
business, covering 2001 and the first half of this year, and a
report was sent to the EU on July 9 specifying that the sugar
inspected was definitely produced in Croatia, Linic said.
It is also evident from the report that the price of sugar sold
abroad is higher than sugar prices on the local market and that the
state is not financing sugar exports. The sudden growth in sugar
production and exports is due to a decrease in customs before the
signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the
successful consolidation of sugar plants, Linic said, adding that
it was possible to come to an agreement with the EC on joint control
of sugar exports on border crossings.
Legras added that the EC would not have any problems with sugar from
Croatia as long as its origin could be proven, and that it would
inspect the report submitted by Croatia.
(hina) sp rml