CROATIA AND ITALY SIGN READMISSION PROTOCOL

( Editorial: --> 9727 ) ZAGREB, June 8 (Hina) - The Interior Ministers of Croatia and Italy Monday signed the Protocol on Readmission, which regulates procedures in the return of persons illegally residing in either country. The protocol refers to citizens of Croatia, Italy and other countries, and people in transit. Italy's Giorgio Napolitano pointed out the protocol's importance in applying the International Agreement on Readmission, preventing illegal migration and fighting organised crime. Croatia's Ivan Penic emphasised the good cooperation between the Interior Ministries of Croatia and Italy. In cooperation with Slovene police, the police forces of Croatia and Italy have on several occasions been successful in preventing international organised crime, he said. The Croatian Interior Minister told reporters that during the talks which preceded the signing of the protocol, he had suggested that Croatian citizens be enabled to cross the Italian border on the special tracks at border crossings intended for citizens of the European Union and Slovenia. Italy's Napolitano said his ministry would consider Penic's proposal. (hina) ha/mbr jn 081706 MET jun 98