"Slovenia's actions and diplomatic activities, which hamper the progress of the Republic of Croatia in Chapter 13 (Fisheries) and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security), do not reflect the level and nature of relations between the two countries and are not in the spirit of the European policy of constructive dialogue, respect and solidarity," the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration said in a statement.
The ministry said that the statement was prompted by the latest statements by Slovene officials, but did not name them.
Slovene Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel said at a meeting of the Slovene Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday that Slovenia was closely following negotiations between Croatia and the EU because it itself had certain reservations or open issues regarding some chapters that Croatia was yet to open.
"Croatia, in accordance with EU practice, finds unacceptable attempts to include outstanding bilateral issues in the negotiations and to encumber the Croatian negotiating process with problems that are in no way part of the negotiations," the Croatian ministry said.
Noting that Slovenia's demands regarding Chapters 13 and 24 were isolated within the EU, the statement said that this confirmed "the rectitude of the Croatian approach."
The Croatian ministry said that it was "closely monitoring assessments and actions of the Republic of Slovenia regarding the process of negotiations on Croatia's accession to the EU" and that it was "paying equal attention to preparations by the Republic of Slovenia for the EU presidency in the first half of 2008, during which time Croatia expects significant achievements in the negotiating process."
In conclusion, the Croatian ministry expressed its satisfaction with Slovenia's position that further EU enlargement would be one of the priorities of its presidency, and added that "with regard to the remaining outstanding issues with Slovenia, the Republic of Croatia remains open to constructive and unconditional dialogue."