LJUBLJANA, Oct 9 (Hina) - The professional optimism of the prime ministers, Croatia's Zlatko Matesa and Slovenia's Janez Drnovsek, who signed a property rights agreement in Slovenia Friday is understandable, but relations between the
two countries are by no means resolved by it as there are far too many outstanding issues still whose solving has lasted too long, Ljubljana's daily "Dnevnik" said in an article published Saturday. "The agreement which was signed in Brdo at the present time represents only a foot-bridge over the border of the Kupa River, and both countries -- at least officially and formally -- are trying to set it up. And they need it. Optimists see this foot-bridge as a solid foundation for the construction of a pontoon bridge, while pessimists see it as only reed to be flushed by the first flood. The truth, of course, is somewhere in between. Who is closer to the truth will be seen in
LJUBLJANA, Oct 9 (Hina) - The professional optimism of the prime
ministers, Croatia's Zlatko Matesa and Slovenia's Janez Drnovsek,
who signed a property rights agreement in Slovenia Friday is
understandable, but relations between the two countries are by no
means resolved by it as there are far too many outstanding issues
still whose solving has lasted too long, Ljubljana's daily
"Dnevnik" said in an article published Saturday.
"The agreement which was signed in Brdo at the present time
represents only a foot-bridge over the border of the Kupa River, and
both countries -- at least officially and formally -- are trying to
set it up. And they need it.
Optimists see this foot-bridge as a solid foundation for the
construction of a pontoon bridge, while pessimists see it as only
reed to be flushed by the first flood. The truth, of course, is
somewhere in between.
Who is closer to the truth will be seen in the spring when, as has
been announced by Matesa and Drnovsek, one of three important
issues will be resolved.
However, due to everything that has happened, we must not have high
expectations. A lot of energy, time and words have been wasted so
far, and the results have been rather modest. It is best to keep
patience and tolerance as our main weapons, not excessive
optimism," the article stressed.
The main outstanding issues between Slovenia and Croatia are the
property issue of the jointly build Krsko nuclear power plant,
debts of the Ljubljanska Bank to Croatian clients and border
issues.
(hina) lml