- Published: 30.07.2003.
4th meeting of the Inter-state Diplomatic Commission...
Today, on 30 July 2003, Mr. Tonino Picula, the Croatian Foreign Minister, received Lord Paddy Ashdown, UN High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During their meeting, they talked about reforms of the state administration in Bosnia and Herzegovina, further implementation of the process of return of refugees and the restitution of property, as well as on possible forms of cooperation until the end of the year. Minister Picula advised Lord Ashdown that the Croatian Government allocates large funds from the state budget for the return of refugees and for the restitution of their property. He also reminded that the Government invited all refugees to return to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lord
Ashdown inquired about the possibilities of liberalisation of border
regime at Ivanjica border crossing. Minister Picula said that the Republic
of Croatia calls for the liberalisation of border regime and that it
will most probably be applied in this case as well. With reference to
the traffic corridor Vc, Minister Picula pointed out the importance
of inviting tenders in order to select a contractor. Lord Ashdown agreed
with Minister Picula and added that it would be necessary to depolitize
this topic.
At the end of the talks, Minister Picula evaluated
that general progress in bilateral relations between the Republic of
Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina has been achieved during the past
three and a half years.