CRO, AUSTRIAN INTERIOR MINISTERS SIGN AGREEMENT ON TAKING-OVER OF PERSONS WHO ILLEGALLY TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN CROATIA, AUSTRIA

PERSONS WHO ILLEGALLY TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN CROATIA, AUSTRIA VIENNA, 18 June (Hina) - Croatia's Interior Minister Ivan Penic and his Austrian counterpart Karl Schloegel on Wednesday signed an agreement on the border procedure of taking-over persons who illegally take up residence on the territory of Croatia and Austria. The agreement, signed in Vienna, is of special importance for Austria since it is the first such agreement Austria has signed with a state it does not share its border with. #L# The agreement is a sign of friendship and good faith and it is a big step in the process of Croatia's getting closer to the standards of the Schoengen agreement, Penic said, stressing that the agreement also provides for actions of the two police forces as well as for all technical details. Before the signing of the agreement, two officials held talks. The atmosphere at the talks was hearty and friendly, the two officials said. The talks also tackled the question of international migrations and the prevention of money-laundering, drug abuse and organised crime, Schloegel said. The relations between Austria and Croatia are traditionally very good, Austria's Interior Minister said, adding that Penic's visit and questions which were discussed at the talks - in particular the security policy - would further deepen and intensify those relations. Penic informed his Austrian counterpart about preparations for the forthcoming tourist season. A large number of Austrian citizens will spend their summer holidays in Croatia. During the second day of their visit to Austria, Penic and his associates visited the command of a gendarmerie unit in Becko Novo Mjesto. (hina) rm 182028 MET jun 97