- Published: 25.09.2013.
Minister Pusić on EAW, economic diplomacy, UN General Assembly
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić after the opening of the 68th UN General Assembly session commented on a few topical issues
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić after the opening of the 68th UN General Assembly session commented on a few topical issues.
On the European Arrest Warrant
“We will find a solution tomorrow or the next day. We have solved the problem in a way that is satisfactory to all.”
On speech by Prime Minister Zoran Milanović in parliament
“I am very pleased with his speech. I think he delivered what is expected of such a speech – cross section of the situation, genesis of certain problems we are faced with, vision of a solution… And that is the point of such a speech.”
On speech by US President Barack Obama at the UN General Assembly
“I think that was a very important speech. There were two important speeches today: one by the US president and the other by the Iranian president, both of which hinted at the possibility that certain things would break the impasse they were at for a long time.
This is not a part of the world that has no bearing on us – quite the contrary. In that context, I think that Iran’s joining the talks will have a positive effect on the future of Afghanistan and situation in Syria as well.
That indication of a shift in relations is very significant. Of course, the US president said it hinged upon Iran’s changing its policy in regard to the nuclear programme and all of the EU members expect the same. I have held bilateral talks with the Iranian foreign minister and can confirm that there is a readiness for change.”
On economic diplomacy
“It makes no sense to have economic diplomacy unless you know what you are promoting, and we can promote Croatian products and investment climate. That climate has to be positive, as it is counterproductive to promote investing in Croatia if you have complicated laws and investors run into a wall of red tape. We have changed a lot of the laws pertaining to ownership, spatial plans, permits, procedures… Now we have something to show for and can track investors interested in coming to Croatia. Our diplomacy as a whole, including all of our ambassadors, will be tasked with promoting Croatian investment climate and products that can be of interest to different markets. That is why I held several bilateral talks with countries that are unusual for Croatia, but hold potential for development and economic cooperation, such as Angola – a country with which Croatia has had few contacts, but already has certain development cooperation."
On consul general in New York
“New York is specific because we have a permanent mission to the UN there, employing one of our top diplomats. So you cannot say New York has been left with no Croatian diplomatic representative. Consul general will come by the end of the year. It is important for us that the consul general is a quality person, someone who can represent Croatia in a modern way, as a country moving forward, with all the difficulties, a country that is Europe in the Balkans, and which can be of economic interest for this area.”