MOSCOW, Dec 17 (Hina) - Speaking to reporters aboard a special plane +bound for Moscow, Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic said +relations between Croatia and Russia have become stronger +recently.+ "Our relations are more stable
than is being recognised by the +Russian political scene, which is traditionally very inclined +towards Yugoslavia and Serbia", Granic estimated.+ Speaking about the forthcoming signing of several agreements on +military, trade, traffic and cultural cooperation, Granic said +that was a huge step towards improving political relations and +creating opportunities for development of economic cooperation.+ Asked whether by strengthening its relations with Russia, Croatia +wanted to counter pressures by the United States and European Union +and establish balance in those relations, Granic answered +negatively.+ Croatia's strategic aim remains its accession to Euro-
MOSCOW, Dec 17 (Hina) - Speaking to reporters aboard a special plane
bound for Moscow, Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic said
relations between Croatia and Russia have become stronger
recently.
"Our relations are more stable than is being recognised by the
Russian political scene, which is traditionally very inclined
towards Yugoslavia and Serbia", Granic estimated.
Speaking about the forthcoming signing of several agreements on
military, trade, traffic and cultural cooperation, Granic said
that was a huge step towards improving political relations and
creating opportunities for development of economic cooperation.
Asked whether by strengthening its relations with Russia, Croatia
wanted to counter pressures by the United States and European Union
and establish balance in those relations, Granic answered
negatively.
Croatia's strategic aim remains its accession to Euro-Atlantic
organisations, he added.
"However, that will take time", he said. "We must have good
relations with Russia because they will facilitate the resolution
of open questions in the region", he said.
Granic said he meant the reintegration of the Croatian Danubian
area, which was supported by Russia. Croatia also expects Russia's
support in the U.N. Security Council as regards the resolution of
the issue of Prevlaka and the consistent implementation of the
Dayton peace agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Russia's support is
also expected in opposing unitarian tendencies in Bosnia-
Herzegovina.
(hina) mm rml