CROATIA AND ITALY EXPRESS SATISFACTION ABOUT BILATERAL RELATIONS

SPLIT, Oct 6 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader and Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Umberto Ranieri on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between the two countries. Sanader and Ranieri held talks in the southern Adriatic city of Split Wednesday. The two officials discussed bilateral relations, the situation in the region, and Croatia's approaching Euro- Atlantic integration. At a press conference held after the meeting, Sanader expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between the two countries adding that an example of good relations is preparations for certain senior visits and the signing of several important agreements. We held very concrete and open talks about Croatia's path to the European Union as well as Croatia's relations with the European Union that should be based on individual approach for which we have Italy's full support, Sanader said. Sanader and Ranieri also tackled the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe and the Adriatic initiative fully supported by both countries, the cooperation between Croatia and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and the pre- elections situation in Croatia. During the talks, Sanader expressed hope that the electoral law be passed by consensus of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union and opposition parties. Ranieri said that Italy was very satisfied with efforts which Croatia invested in its legislature which was becoming increasingly integrated with European standard. He said that the verdict in Dinko Sakic case was an example of that. Italy would also welcome the passing of an electoral law by consensus, as well as solving issues regarding television, adding that issues regarding television were very delicate in other European countries as well. We also welcome Croatia's willingness to cooperate with the ICTY, Ranieri said, adding that it was crucial for Croatia's future that light be shed on all unclear issues, Ranieri said. The Italian Deputy Foreign Minister said Italy would donate DM7 million for the reconstruction of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia. (hina) it jn