ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina should soon approach the second phase of talks on issues surrounding the border between the two countries. According to the chairman of the joint diplomatic commission for border
issues between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Zeljko Dobranovic, the second phase, which should start before the end of September, will include the drafting of more precise maps in 1:5,000 scale and issues of location of border points, that is, border crossings. The first phase of talks pertained to the identification line between the two countries. The talks had begun in November 1998 and an agreement on the border was signed in July 1999 during Croatian President Franjo Tudjman's participation at the Stability Pact summit in Sarajevo. The identification process was based on the situation as it had been at the moment of declaring independence, that is, that borders between
ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina should soon
approach the second phase of talks on issues surrounding the border
between the two countries.
According to the chairman of the joint diplomatic commission for
border issues between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Zeljko
Dobranovic, the second phase, which should start before the end of
September, will include the drafting of more precise maps in
1:5,000 scale and issues of location of border points, that is,
border crossings.
The first phase of talks pertained to the identification line
between the two countries. The talks had begun in November 1998 and
an agreement on the border was signed in July 1999 during Croatian
President Franjo Tudjman's participation at the Stability Pact
summit in Sarajevo.
The identification process was based on the situation as it had been
at the moment of declaring independence, that is, that borders
between the two former republics of the former Yugoslavia should
remain the same, internationally accepted borders, pursuant to the
so-called Badinter Commission decision.
Claims in the media that there are outstanding issues between any
body of authority of either Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia
concerning any part of the border are unfounded, Dobranovic said.
Asked about any possible modification of the border, Dobranovic
said it was possible, but only in the case when all interested sides
would be satisfied -- both countries and the local residents.
A border modification usually occurs when it would facilitate the
functioning of every-day life of the local population. However,
modification processes are usually lengthy processes.
Representatives of the two countries' interior ministries should
also meet soon to speak about border control issues.
(hina) lml jn