ZAGREB, Nov 26 (Hina) - British Ambassador to Croatia Colin Munro on Friday said the decision of his government to introduce visas for all Croatian citizens, including the bearers of diplomatic passports, was not politically
motivated. Munro said he had explained to Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa on Thursday the evidence from which he interpreted the decision as a political one were wrong. According to a government statement of Thursday, Matesa told Munro the Croatian government was dissatisfied and concerned with the introduction of British visas for Croatian citizens, and with the fact that the visa system had been extended to the bearers of diplomatic passports, which was interpreted as a decision of "political nature." Great Britain introduced the visa regime for Croats on 19 November as protection from the increased number of Croatian citizens, mainly Serbs, who abused the British politic
ZAGREB, Nov 26 (Hina) - British Ambassador to Croatia Colin Munro on
Friday said the decision of his government to introduce visas for
all Croatian citizens, including the bearers of diplomatic
passports, was not politically motivated.
Munro said he had explained to Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa on
Thursday the evidence from which he interpreted the decision as a
political one were wrong.
According to a government statement of Thursday, Matesa told Munro
the Croatian government was dissatisfied and concerned with the
introduction of British visas for Croatian citizens, and with the
fact that the visa system had been extended to the bearers of
diplomatic passports, which was interpreted as a decision of
"political nature."
Great Britain introduced the visa regime for Croats on 19 November
as protection from the increased number of Croatian citizens,
mainly Serbs, who abused the British political asylum system.
It is Britain's practice in every country covered by the visa regime
to include the bearers of diplomatic passports, Munro explained,
pointing out that such persons are also given a seal stating they
are not liable to immigration control.
Munro said Croatia was not different in the matter, and added he had
explained so to Matesa yesterday.
Asked to comment on the Croatian government's assessment that the
introduction of the visa regime would impede further development of
economic relations between the two countries, Munro said he did not
see it that way in the least.
The ambassador said the problem which had led to the introduction of
visas was being constantly monitored. As soon as London assessed
the situation has improved, chances are higher for changing the
regime, he added.
Munro also said he had told Matesa yesterday something not
mentioned in the Croatian government statement, namely the British
government's concern, which he said was shared by many others, with
the current political situation in Croatia.
Munro said he had also related hopes the impending parliamentary
elections would be called soon, that they would not fall between
Christmas and New Year's, and that observers would be able to assess
them as free and fair.
The Croatian Constitution does not stipulate the calling of
elections between Christmas and New Year's, nor do extraordinary
circumstances exist for doing so, Munro said, and pointed out
Croatia's partners would draw their own conclusions from the date
of the elections.
(hina) ha