Croatian President Mesić praises relations with Kosovo

B92 ^ | April 2, 2009 | Beta

[Ravnagora]

PRIŠTINA -- Croatian President Stjepan Mesic; said Croatia and Kosovo have well-developed bilateral cooperation at all levels and this cooperation should be strengthened.

In an interview with Radio Television Kosovo (RTK), he said that Kosovo was well organized, that all state institutions had been formed and were functioning, and that it was becoming a more functional state.

“The proof is in the fact that more than 50 countries in the world have recognized Kosovo,” Mesic said.

He said that the development of industry was of special importance, to encourage foreign investors to come to Kosovo and to take advantage of the human potential in order to ensure quality conditions of life and work for the province’s citizens.

Mesic said that Croatia’s entrance into NATO was now a done deal, while accession to the EU required her to meet all European standards and conditions.

The Croatian president said that the unresolved bilateral issues with Slovenia should be set apart from the negotiations with the EU, and that border issues should be resolved through the international courts.

He said that regional cooperation was very important, adding that he hoped that Serbia would take a step forward towards Kosovo.

“Just as Croatia tells Croats abroad, like in Bosnia-Herzegovina, that their homeland is Bosnia and that their policies must be taken to Sarajevo, it would also be good for Belgrade to tell the Kosovo Serbs that Kosovo is their homeland, that they are Kosovo citizens, and that their policies should be pursued together with the other citizens of Kosovo,” Mesic surmised.

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