CROATIAN, SLOVENE FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD TALKS IN LJUBLJANA

LJUBLJANA, March 20 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Monday held talks in Ljubljana with Slovene counterpart Dimitri Rupel. The talks were held "in a promising atmosphere," Picula told reporters. Croatia's new authorities ascribe special attention to relations with neighbouring Slovenia, he said, adding these relations were also characterised by the common goal to join European integration. Relations in the future must be based on co-operation and a new impetus to settle issues which have amassed in the past, Picula said. The two foreign ministers agreed to meet again, probably in Zagreb next month, in order to make a new step in solving problems, they stated. This would lift the political and psychological burden these problems have on mutual relations, said Croatia's Picula. "We want to maintain the present good rhythm and prove the Croatian authorities' new mood towards friendly Slovenia. We share common European ambitions, and we are aware Europe won't integrate us unless we settle open issues," said Picula, adding progress would be seen in the next few months. Slovenia's Rupel said he was satisfied with the new style Croatia's new authorities had shown in relations with Slovenia. Rupel said he and Picula agreed to expedite the resolving of open issues and set a time frame, a calendar of events, and list the problems which need to be gradually "eliminated from the agenda." Rupel believes it will be possible to say more after a meeting between the two countries' premiers, as well as their own. (hina) ha