SLOVENE FOREIGN MINISTER DOESN'T CONFIRM ALLEGED BORDER INCIDENT

LJUBLJANA, Mar 3 (Hina) - The Slovene Interior Ministry on Wednesday said in a statement that "Croatian security organs (on Wednesday) again breached the inviolability of sea-waters under Slovene jurisdiction" in bordering Piran Bay, but the information was not confirmed by Slovene Foreign Minister Boris Frlec. According to the Slovene Interior Ministry, a Slovene police boat at 1.05pm detected a Croatian police boat making a new, "deeper" entry into Piran Bay waters "under Slovene jurisdiction." The Interior Ministry notified the Foreign Ministry. Speaking on POP-TV station on Wednesday evening, Slovene Foreign Minister Frlec did not confirm the alleged incident. He did reiterate however Slovenia's standpoint that Piran Bay has been under Slovene jurisdiction since both Slovenia and Croatia achieved independence from the former Yugoslav federation. A sea border in Piran Bay is an open issue between the two countries. Speaking about possible arbitration on the matter, Frlec said a third party's advice, which would not be binding for the two interested parties, was being considered. (hina) ha