SLOVENEN PRIME MINISTER ON RELATIONS WITH CROATIA

LJUBLJANA, Feb 28 (Hina) - Slovenian Government Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek said talks would continue in the first half of next month with Croatia. Drnovsek's statements came in an interview on Slovenian television, in which he also said that resolving one or two contentious issues between the countries could create possibilities for strengthening economic relations and resolve remaining issues. Drnovsek said that relations with Croatia were at the same quality level as last year. Previous contacts revealed small but important differences of opinion. He said the Piran Bay issue was one which Slovenia could not change its position on. "In view of the Piran Bay our access to the open sea seems the point where we're the furtherest from agreeing on with Croatia," Drnovsek said, adding that the final resolution with Croatia on contentious issues, in this round was difficult to assess. After Slovenia at least supported the Ljubljana Bank paying back debts owed to Croatian depositors, two key questions remain. There is the issue of the ownership of the Krsko power plant, which was built jointly by Croatia and Slovenia. And Slovenia's demands that Croatia give up part of its territory in Istria, or at least the sea part of Piran Bay. (Hina) jn sd as 281315 MET feb 95