Slovenia in Croatia · @SLOinCRO
28th Feb 2013 from Twitlonger
Interview by the Slovenia's new PM Designate Alenka Bratušek for @vecernji_list [courtesy translation]:
Q: Did you expect such a support in the parliament?
A: Honestly, yes. It really would not be right to say otherwise.
Q: Croatia is following the development of events in Slovenia very carefully primarily due to the ratification of the Accession Treaty. What can we expect?
A: As I said in the Parliament the ratification is not only Croatia's but also Slovenia's strategic interest. I am convinced that there will not be any problems regarding the ratification once the issue of "Ljubljanska banka" is resolved.
Q: Can you foresee a date when Slovenia could ratify Croatia's Accession Treaty?
A: Believe me, there will be no problems. The ratification could take place right after the meeting of both Ministers and both Prime Ministers.
Q: How will the negotiations on the Ljubljanska banka proceed? Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša and Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović were supposed to meet on 10 March.
A: The agreement on the issue of Ljubljanska banka is in its final stages; as far as I know from colleague Karl Erjavec.
Q: What is next?
A: First the Ministers of Foreign Affairs must meet. After that the Prime Ministers should meet and I hope we will finalise the agreement. I cannot speak about dates right now as I was confirmed only today.
Q: Will you continue to work and negotiate within the framework set by former Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec and Croatian Minister Vesna Pusić at Otočec?
A: We will. I see that agreement as a good one for both sides.
Q: Is withdrawal of the lawsuits by Croatian banks still a precondition for the ratification?
A: As far as I know the withdrawal of the lawsuits is part of the agreement by the two Ministers.
Q: Will Ljubljanska banka be resolved within the succession framework then?
A: We are talking about confidential information so you will understand if I do not comment on that.
Q: How do you see the relations between Croatia and Slovenia. It is an impression that they have deteriorated in the last year.
A: I would not say that; I do not have such an impression. I see the relations between the two countries as good ones. We are good neighbours and partners.
Q: Is Slovenia blackmailing Croatia by connecting the issue of Ljubljanska banka with the ratification as some people see it?
A: No, I would not speak about blackmail. Simple, the issue of Ljubljanska banka must be resolved and now is the time.
Q: Does your confirmation as Prime Minister-Designate mean an end to the political and social crisis in Slovenia?
A: I would say this is the beginning of an end. Now we face negotiations on the programs, composition of the Government. I hope this marks a new beginning and new hope for citizens. Just to remind you Janez Janša's Government had 15% approval rating. It could not be continued this way.