Croatian PM says border issue with Slovenia outstanding since independence

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Friday Croatia saw the border demarcation with Slovenia as an issue that had been outstanding since the day they declared independence and that they would make progress if they put on the table the positions that were not contentious for either country and arranged a visit by Slovenian PM Miro Cerar to Zagreb.

"We look on that as an outstanding border issue that has been with us since 25 June 1991. Our principle is clear, the republics' borders from that time should become state borders. We want to resolve this issue. The Croatian parliament's position is clear, the policy position too," PM Plenkovic told Croatian reporters in Brussels.

"However, I think there are many aspects where we are very close to an agreement, so today we will see first, in an open talk, when Mr. Cerar could come to Zagreb. The deadlines by the end of the year that have been mentioned are related to the arbitration ruling, given that Croatia withdrew from that process. (Croatia) doesn't look on them as Slovenia does," he added.

He and Cerar are expected to talk on the fringes of a European Union summit today.

"What's important in my opinion is that we arrange his visit to Zagreb, that we put on the table our and Slovenia's positions and that we try to meet half way on those aspects of the border issue where the positions of neither country are contentious. That would be progress at this moment," PM Plenkovic said.

Cerar told reporters a "very intensive dialogue" was taking place and that there had been no progress so far. "Our position is that we have to talk about the implementation of the arbitration. I insist on that. And I expect Croatia to make a step towards that position and to eventually recognise it."

Text: Hina

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