ZAGREB, Nov 27 (Hina) - Relations between Croatia and Slovenia, apart from certain open questions, are on a high level, Croatian and Slovene Presidents Stjepan Mesic and Milan Kucan concluded after official talks in Zagreb Tuesday.
"From the moment they gained independence, relations between Croatia and Slovenia have had their ups and downs, which has always been to the detriment of both countries", Kucan said, stressing that at this moment the relations were the best since 1991. Mesic said the relations were very good, with the potential to expand further, but pointed to the existence of open questions which the two countries needed "to solve independently". The two presidents issued a statement after the talks in which they tackled a border agreement reached by the two countries' governments. The agreement, however, has not yet been adopted by the two parliaments and is currently the biggest obstacle to bilate
ZAGREB, Nov 27 (Hina) - Relations between Croatia and Slovenia,
apart from certain open questions, are on a high level, Croatian and
Slovene Presidents Stjepan Mesic and Milan Kucan concluded after
official talks in Zagreb Tuesday.
"From the moment they gained independence, relations between
Croatia and Slovenia have had their ups and downs, which has always
been to the detriment of both countries", Kucan said, stressing
that at this moment the relations were the best since 1991.
Mesic said the relations were very good, with the potential to
expand further, but pointed to the existence of open questions
which the two countries needed "to solve independently".
The two presidents issued a statement after the talks in which they
tackled a border agreement reached by the two countries'
governments. The agreement, however, has not yet been adopted by
the two parliaments and is currently the biggest obstacle to
bilateral relations between Croatia and Slovenia.
Kucan expressed dissatisfaction about a delay in the solving of the
Croatia-Slovene demarcation issue, and belief that the agreement
had a middle-ground approach and was well balanced. The Slovene
President also said the agreement was good foundation for further
cooperation.
Mesic believes that both governments must continue to negotiate and
find a solution to the border agreement which would satisfy both
parties and which will not bring into question the overall
bilateral relations.
Kucan believes that the annulment of an agreement on the
demarcation of Piran Bay would also raise the issue of the land
frontier which could complicate the two countries' relations. The
Slovene President understands there are difficulties in accepting
the demarcation of Piran Bay. He added Slovenia had difficulties as
well, but the agreement would bring peace, stability and prosperity
to both countries, and show the international community Croatia and
Slovenia were able to solve their open problems themselves.
Kucan said the unsolved border issues must not prevent the solving
of other Croatian-Slovene open issues, including the issue of the
Krsko nuclear power-plant, and the Ljubljanska Banka debt to its
clients in Croatia.
The two presidents discussed the situation in the region and the
world. Mesic said both presidents applauded changes in Yugoslavia,
and expressed hope for further reforms in the country. Mesic
reiterated he advocated the individualisation of guilt. The
Croatian President stressed he supported each country's joining
the European Union, according to their own pace of fulfilling the EU
obligations and requirements.
Mesic said Croatia was ready for regional cooperation and good
relations with all neighbours.
Ahead of his meeting with Croatian head of state, Kucan met Zagreb
Archbishop Josip Bozanic. He is expected to meet representatives of
the Croatian opposition (Mate Granic of the Democratic Centre, and
Ivo Sanader of the Croatian Democratic Union), parliament speaker
Zlatko Tomcic, and Prime Minister Ivica Racan on Wednesday. Slovene
President will also address Croatian MPs.
(hina) np sb