DRNOVSEK: SLOVENE-CROAT AGREEMENTS CONTRIBUTE REGIONAL STABILITY

LJUBLJANA, Sept 24 (Hina) - The border and nuclear power plant Krsko Slovenia-Croatia agreements are a contribution to regional stability, and their signing would bring benefits to both countries, Slovene Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek said Monday during lunch with outgoing United States Ambassador to Slovenia Nancy Ely-Eaphel. "Commenting on Slovenia's candidacy to join NATO, Drnovsek said the deciding factor should be the country's successful democratic development, stability, acceptance of common values, and capability to solve open issues with its neighbours, as well as its contribution to regional stability. Slovenia proved that capability through its agreements with Croatia. Those agreements should benefit both countries because their signing would prove they do not need international arbitration to solve their differences," Drnovsek's office statement reads. The US Ambassador agreed with Drnovsek's view, and added Slovenia's successes are at times too little known, the statement says. Drnovsek also expressed his solidarity with the United States in its fight against terrorism, and confirmed Slovenia's dedication to join the effort. (hina) js