CROATIAN PARLIAMENT CONDEMNS SLOVENE TERRITORIAL AMBITIONS

ZAGREB, Oct 5 (Hina) - "We regard the Slovene Parliament decision as null and void," Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic said. He was speaking at a House of Representatives session on a uniltaral decision by the Slovene parliament on October 3, which encroaches on Croatain state territory. The Slovene parliament passed a law on municipalities treating four Croatian villages near the Croatia-Slovenia border in Istria, as part of Slovenia. This unjustifiable act was contrary to international norms and laws, Granic said. He reminded Parliament that after gaining independence from the former Yugoslav federation, Croatia and Slovenia had recognized the republic borders as internationally valid. Granic said that the Croatian Government had strongly protested to Slovenia about the matter. He said the Slovene move would have a negative impact on overall negotiations and unsettled issues with Slovenia. The major problems with Slovenia include the border question, the Ljubljana Bank, the Krsko nuclear power plant and property concerns. Granic stressed no agreement would be signed until all the problems were settled. "We are going to notify the CSCE, the Council of Europe and the European Union," Granic said and added that "without solving problems with our neighbours there can be no integrations into Europe." The House set up a commission comprising representatives of all parliamentary parties to work on a draft declaration. During an earlier debate, the deputies vehemently condemned the Slovene Parliament decision. (hina) jas vm sd 051730 MET oct 94