- Published: 08.08.2007.
MFAEI announces there are no formal negotiations with the Slovene side
Following recent information and statements on relations with the Republic of Slovenia as well as current diplomatic activities connected with the outstanding open issues between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia (MFAEI) announces that there are no formal negotiations with the Slovene side pending, but working consultations at different levels with an attempt to synchronise views of outstanding open issues between the two countries
The public is acquainted with the fact that in 2005 the Croatian government made a formal proposal for the Slovene side to mutually address an adequate international judicial body regarding demarcation issues. Within the mentioned exchange of views, the Slovene side proposed addressing the OSCE Court for Conciliation and Arbitration, whereas the Croatian government considers it more adequate to address the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. Harmonisation of views regarding the issue is pending.
Within the same framework, the Slovene side submitted its views about some unresolved issues in mutual relations. In view of the return of the debt that Ljubljanska banka owes to its Croatian clients in the mentioned contacts the Slovene side was informed about the well-known Croatian stance that private-legal relations with individual clients should be observed, and that Ljubljanska banka had to return the debt to its Croatian clients. In the case of Ljubljanska banka, the Croatian side reiterated the need to observe the rule of law.
As for the claims regarding the Nuclear Power Plant Krško and different views in this matter, the mentioned consultation process attempts to achieve a satisfying starting point for financial problems, repository and other issues.
In reply to Slovene views regarding the Croatian decision on declaring the Law on the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone (ZERP) and other issues concerning fishery, during consultations the Croatian side reiterated its stance on the non-prejudicing of the sea border in connection with the ZERP entering into force. In connection with fishery, the Croatian side considers the option to address the EC to learn about similar examples in relations between other EU members.
MFAEI also informs that contrary to media headlines such a response to the Slovene side is synchronised between the Government and the President of the Republic. In case talks would become more concrete, and prior to possible final agreement, the Government will hold consultations with parliamentary parties in line with past practice.