ZAGREB, March 16 (Hina) - Zagreb is prepared to assist Bosnia-Herzegovina but not meddle in internal issues which should be solved within the framework of the Dayton Agreement, and Germany has voiced support to Croatia in this,
Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula said in Zagreb Friday after talks with his German counterpart Joschka Fisher. Because of the Croat people living in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the land border this country shares with Croatia, Zagreb is prepared to offer help and mediation in resolving difficulties in the neighbouring country, but not to meddle in internal issues, Picula told reporters. He recalled the Dayton Agreement was the basic framework within which some better solutions must be found, but through consensus. Picula opted against any unilateral actions. We do not support any disturbance of the framework or the foundation of the Dayton Agreement, Fischer said, and call
ZAGREB, March 16 (Hina) - Zagreb is prepared to assist Bosnia-
Herzegovina but not meddle in internal issues which should be
solved within the framework of the Dayton Agreement, and Germany
has voiced support to Croatia in this, Croatian Foreign Minister
Tonino Picula said in Zagreb Friday after talks with his German
counterpart Joschka Fisher.
Because of the Croat people living in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the
land border this country shares with Croatia, Zagreb is prepared to
offer help and mediation in resolving difficulties in the
neighbouring country, but not to meddle in internal issues, Picula
told reporters.
He recalled the Dayton Agreement was the basic framework within
which some better solutions must be found, but through consensus.
Picula opted against any unilateral actions.
We do not support any disturbance of the framework or the foundation
of the Dayton Agreement, Fischer said, and called on cooperation,
not confrontation.
Croatia is exceptionally satisfied with the speed of negotiations
in the process of signing the Agreement on Stabilisation and
Association with the EU, Picula said. Fischer added Germany
supported Croatia in this.
We know how to appreciate Croatia's role as an active partner in the
stabilisation and democratisation of the region on the way towards
permanent peace, Fischer said.
After visiting Zagreb Fischer will be leaving for Skoplje to hold
talks with his Macedonian counterpart Srdjan Kerin about the crisis
caused by Ablanian rebels in the country's northwest.
The situation in the Preseva Valley and in the northwest of
Macedonia gives rise to concern and it is exceptionally important
to understand that an extremist way of solving problems leads
nowhere, Fischer said.
The message to Macedonians and the Albanian community in this
country will be that the international community does not accept
the policy of violence, Fischer said.
We are not prepared to accept a violent change to borders ...
representatives of all legitimate interests need to find solutions
through negotiations, he said.
The talks between Picula and Fischer also focused on relations
between Croatia and Germany which are, according to Fischer,
excellent.
He added the interest of German companies for investments into
Croatia is very high and stressed that obstacles for investments
should be curbed.
Fischer also met with Croatian President Stipe Mesic earlier in the
day.
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