CRO UPPER HOUSE DISCUSSES RATIFICATION OF NORMALIZATION AGREEMENT

ZAGREB, Sept 16 (Hina) - Croatian Parliament House of Counties on Monday discussed a bill on the ratification of the agreement on normalization of relations between Croatia and Yugoslavia. "The agreement on normalization of relations between Croatia and Yugoslavia is a turning-point and it confirms the territorial integrity of Croatia," deputy foreign minister Ivan Simonovic said. Although the war had never been formally declared, the agreement has a character of a peace agreement, Simonovic said. The agreement confirms the territorial integrity and speeds up the process of peaceful reintegration of the Croatian Danubian area, as well as strengthens Croatia's international position. The agreement stipulates that the two countries recognize each other as independent, sovereign and equal within their internationally recognized borders, Simonovic said. The agreement also includes the right to war reparations and issues on missing and detained Croatian soldiers and civilians. The agreement established diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia, Simonovic said. The agreement also confirms the border between the two countries, including the issue of Croatia's southernmost tip of Prevlaka, Simonovic said. Regulating borders on land was of a technical nature, he said, however, it was different for the border line at sea which had never been established. It would be established based on the UN Charter, Simonovic said, adding that the agreement stipulated that the present security system in that area would be respected. "The system was established by UN monitors. However, it does not mean that UN troops are to remain in the area, but that the system they have established is to remain". (hina) lm jn 161859 MET sep 96