CROATIA, MACEDONIA SIGN READMISSION AGREEMENT

ZAGREB, Sept 17 (Hina) - Interior ministers Sime Lucin and Ljube Boskoski signed in Zagreb on Monday a re-admission agreement between Croatia and Macedonia, which provides for the return and admission of people illegally coming from one country to another. "Illegal migrations are one of the major issues Croatia faces and I believe this agreement will contribute to combating this phenomenon," Croatia's Lucin said after the signing. He added today's talks reaffirmed the good cooperation between the Croatian and Macedonian interior ministries, whose heads will meet next month to discuss concrete cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and organised crime. Macedonia's Boskoski emphasised the readmission agreement was very significant for both countries. "Illegal migration has become widespread lately, to the point that it can endanger Croatia's safety... I believe (the agreement) will also prevent the possibility of Croatia introducing visa requirements for Macedonian citizens," he said. Boskoski pointed to the need of intensifying cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism, "which Macedonia has recently been confronted with." The minister also said Macedonia "plans on buying Croatian guns HS 2000, which are among the best in the world, and which we would like to use to equip at least part of the Macedonian police." Macedonia does not plan on other forms of cooperation in this field, he added. (hina) ha