MESIC IN 'DELO': WE CAN'T JOIN EUROPE WITHOUT SETTLING ISSUES

ZAGREB/LJUBLJANA, March 20 (Hina) - The resolving of neighbourly issues is a condition both Croatia and Slovenia have to meet to join Europe, Croatian President Stipe Mesic told Slovene daily "Delo". The Ljubljana-based daily published the interview, which was granted in Zagreb, on Monday, the official day of Mesic's visit to Slovenia. Speaking about finding a solution to the sea border issue, according to general opinion the most serious open issue between Croatia and Slovenia, Mesic said this year's elections in Slovenia were a problem because politicians were afraid of jeopardising their position. "Whoever wins in Slovenia will have an interest in seeing the issues resolved. It is our interest in Croatia too, and there will be no obstinacy. We want today's generation to resolve all issues as soon as possible," Mesic said. "If we will have the support of neighbours and friends in the world, we can shorten considerably the deadlines of joining integration," he said, adding Croatia must stick to European criteria. Asked about the reduction of the currently hypertrophied powers of the Croatian president, Mesic among else said: "The president is not a rubber plant, he is not just a protocol person. He must have some powers, (such as) command of the army, (over) the personnel policy in intelligence services, participate in shaping the foreign policy." (hina) ha jn