PRESIDENT MESIC VISITS DUBROVNIK AHEAD OF MEETING DJUKANOVIC

DUBROVNIK, June 24 (Hina) - "We want to enable Montenegro's opening to European integration in spite of its formal ties with Serbia," Croatian President Stipe Mesic said in Dubrovnik on Saturday announcing his meeting with Montenegrin colleague Milo Djukanovic in nearby Cavtat later today. Responding to a question from the press, President Mesic said he expected Djukanovic's apology for the destruction last decade's war had brought to the Dubrovnik area, which borders with the Yugoslav republic of Montenegro. Mesic was accompanied by his advisers on internal and foreign affairs and military issues, Igor Dekanic, Stanko Nick, and Imra Agotic. They were welcomed by local county and city officials, with whom they discussed the situation in this southern Croatian region ahead of the tourist season, expected to be very successful. Talks also tackled a project initiated by the City of Dubrovnik which could be of outstanding importance for European associations, a highway extending from the Italian border, across Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, to Greece. The highway would provide a physical connection between south- eastern and western Europe, and have an impact on political associations and alleviating tension in the region. Mayors interested in the highway should convene in Dubrovnik in September. (hina) ha