“There is no reason for a NATO nation to deny us entry, and we expect that the procedure will be finalised, and that Slovenia will give the green light” said Andreja Metelko Zgombic from the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integrations, in the television program “Otvoreno”. During the show they talked about Blaz Kavcic’s disputed statements, who said that when the highest Croatian representatives find themselves in trouble when they have to totally distance themselves from the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945), and the Ustasha movement.

“Neither is totally correct. Some statements were pulled out of context. The general stance of the state committee is that they want to see Croatia in NATO and the EU. Those thoughts are in my opinion have arguments” said Kavcic, the president of the Slovenian state committee. He added that the access is endangered by Croatia’s stances.

“We mentioned the Independent State of Croatia because at the time it was in power, it had open access to Istria, and after World War II Croatia for the first time gained control over all of Istria” said Kavcic.

“Italy blocked us”

“We want Croatia to enter the EU and want the border problem, which is an important problem, is not a problem that Slovenia and Croatia would bring it into Europe, that is not good for anyone” said Punic, stressing that he wants the problem to be solved before entry into the EU, and that this does not stop Croatia from entering the EU.

“First it needs to be said that Slovenia had solved borders with the EU members at the time, Austria and Italy, and with making contracts they had to solve border issues and allow the purchase of real estate” said Punic. He stressed that great resistance existed, but the aim was clear, Slovenia wanted everything to become a member.

He also mentioned the behaviour of Italy and Austria in relation to Slovenia’s behaviour towards Croatia.

“It is awkward to walk about that, but we have to know that Italy blocked us until we changed our constitution and allowed the purchase of real estate” he said.

Slovenia did not have to accept great sacrifices

Silvia Tomasevic, a correspondent from Italy said that it is funny to compare the cancelation of a Duty Free Shop with border issues.

“Those are not some great sacrifices, because all European Union countries did so, so they seek it from Croatia” said Tomasevic.

“When we speak about mediation, mediators help link two countries, is both sides gather a team, a solution could be reached. Slovenia and Croatia need to give in, in the spirit of mutual respect” said Punic, stressing that you need to respect other wishes even though they are not understandable, because it is the basic principle of making an agreement.

In the end, Tomasevic gave an insight into how the European Union views the border disputes.

“The European Union is really disappointed with the behaviour of Slovenia, they (EU) do not want to be an intermediary because a bilateral issue is in question, but support Croatia and Slovenia to find a solution. The media, and the official diplomacy want to minimise that case and return it to Ljubljana and Zagreb to solve, so that it does not stop the EU from spreading towards the western Balkans.