LJUBLJANA, Feb 8 (Hina) - The European Commission cannot arbitrate in aborder dispute because it is a bilateral issue that needs to beresolved by the countries concerned, European Union EnlargementCommissioner Olli Rehn said in an
interview with the Slovene newsagency STA on Wednesday ahead of his visit to Ljubljana.
LJUBLJANA, Feb 8 (Hina) - The European Commission cannot arbitrate
in a border dispute because it is a bilateral issue that needs to be resolved
by the countries concerned, European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn
said in an interview with the Slovene news agency STA on Wednesday ahead of his
visit to Ljubljana. The European Commission, however, can encourage
both parties to pursue constructive dialogue that will produce results, he
added.
Asked if Croatia could become a member of the European Union before
settling outstanding issues with its neighbours, Rehn said he believed the
border dispute between Slovenia and Croatia would be resolved before Croatia
completed membership talks with the European Commission.
The EU commissioner stressed the importance of a solution to the
dispute being consensual.