MONTENEGRO ANNOUNCES OPENING OF OFFICE IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, May 31 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula today informally received his Montenegrin counterpart, Branko Lukovac, to discuss the development of relations between Zagreb and Podgorica, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Picula stressed good formal relations between Zagreb and Podgorica are continuing to develop. He pointed out that Montenegro, notwithstanding the result of the Yugoslav crisis, remains Croatia's southern neighbour with whom Croatia will continue to develop good relations," the statement said. Picula expressed satisfaction with the stance of Montenegrin views regarding Croatia's southernmost peninsula of Prevlaka. Lukovac briefed Picula about the situation in Montenegro and its environment, especially following elections in Montenegro, and pointed out his government's determination to continue with reforms and democracy, as well as with the preparations for a referendum on Montenegro's independence, the statement said. "He expressed the readiness of the Montenegrin side to, in relations with Croatia as a neighbour and partner, continue processes leading to a better cooperation in trade, economy and tourism. He also advocated for the open issue of Prevlaka should be solved as soon as possible, so the peninsula could be a meeting point in the interest of the two neighbours," the statement continued. He reiterated ideas about joint projects in tourism on Prevlaka. Montenegro's view even before political changes in Belgrade, is that Prevlaka is not a territorial issue. Lukovac said Podgorica does not recognise the legitimacy of the Yugoslav government. He also announced the opening of a Montenegrin Office in Zagreb soon. (hina) lml sb