Minister Pusić answers questions on fringes of Fourth Western Balkans Civil Society Forum

First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Vesna Pusić attended the opening of the Fourth Western Balkans Civil Society Forum together with European Commissioner for Štefan Füle

First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Vesna Pusić attended the opening of the Fourth Western Balkans Civil Society Forum together with European Commissioner for Štefan Füle, with whom she met at a working dinner the night before. Füle spoke about the region and the EU accession process. Reporters wanted to know what was his view on the situation in the region following the Hague verdict, while Pusić said all European partners were closely monitoring the situation. “Any kind of verdict would have affected the relations in the region, but our goal is to assuage the politically delicate situation and define future cooperation, which is what we are doing”, Pusić said.

Speaking to reporters, Pusić said that Croatia would by 31 January next year complete all ten tasks set in the last European Commission monitoring report in October, prior to the spring monitoring report being issued. She said that three tasks had already been completed and by the end of the year another six or seven would be resolved, which will mean that only three or four will remain for the next year and all these would be resolved by 31 January, except the issue of the border crossing near Neum, but this too will be resolved by 1 April.

Asked about a statement by Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić calling the relations with Croatia a “cold peace”, the minister said she advocated the continuation of cooperation with Serbia and calming the tension after the acquitting verdict. “We are cooperating on a number of thing that may not be as politically visible and sensitive right now, but are nevertheless important for two neighbouring countries”, Pusić said. She pointed out that history taught us that is was crucial for two neighbouring countries should maintain communication, cooperate in issues that allow cooperation and lead the political process, not leave it to chance.

Regarding the topical issue of real estate taxation, the minister said she had discussed the issue with the prime minister before the public debate. “It is my position and the position of the party that said taxation is detrimental to the investment climate in Croatia. In times when it is important for us to create a positive investment clime, it has the opposite effect”, said Minister Pusić.

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