CROATIA AND SLOVENIA TO SEEK COUNSEL ON PIRAN BAY

ZAGREB/LJUBLJANA, April 29 (Hina) - Croatia and Slovenia have agreed to ask a former US Defence Secretary William Perry to act as an advisor in the resolution of the problem of Piran Bay, the Croatian and Slovene governments reported on Thursday. The latest move of the two governments is an attempt to make progress in resolving problems which have flawed relations between the two countries since the establishment of their independence. Perry's role would not be that of an international arbiter but of an advisor-mediator, who is to help the two countries in reaching an agreement on the sea border which would be acceptable for both sides. "The advice will not be binding for either of the two sides", a source close to the Croatian Government told Hina. However, "it is possible that a mutually acceptable solution could be reached with Perry's mediation", the source said. Asked why exactly William Perry was chosen, the source said Perry was a man of exceptional political authority, who enjoys the trust of both sides. The Slovene Government announced that Perry had agreed to his advisory role in the dispute. "Perry will visit both Croatia and Slovenia, acquaint himself with the situation and hold consultations with independent institutions about the problem of Piran Bay", the source said when asked about the steps to be taken after the decision on arbitration. (hina) jn rml