ZAGREB, CROATIA - - I spoke with Minister Jandrokovic about a joint goal, which is closing negotiations for Croatia’s entry into the European Union in 2009 so it could become a member in 2010. The dispute with Slovenia will not slow that process down – said Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini after a meeting with his Croatian counterpart, with whom he signed a Memorandum on Cooperation between the Italian and Croatian governments. 

- This morning I spoke with Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and my colleague Jandrokovic. With Sanader I opened all subjects of joint interest for Croatia and Italy. We stressed Italy’s full support to Croatia’s accession negotiations into the European Union, as well as support to joining NATO – Frattini told the media.

Regarding the dispute between Croatia and Slovenia, he stressed Europe will continue to solve it in the spirit of solidarity.

- Italy wants a quick solution to the dispute. Europe is the one that needs to facilitate the negotiations, but it is up to the two governments to reach an agreement. The spirit of European solidarity says that this blockade cannot stop the negotiations or slow down the steps Croatia has undertaken to join the European Union – he said.

Minister Frattini said that Croatia still faces a reform of the judiciary and public administration, as well as solving the issue of corruption. Italy is satisfied with the liberalisation of the real-estate market, but expects the issue of restitution of Esul property to be resolved. This, however, will not be Italy’s condition for Croatia joining the European Union, but will wait for the decision of the court that is dealing with the dispute.

- Croatia is in no way prejudging the border with Slovenia. It is a bilateral issue that we want to resolve before an international body. We would like it to be the international court in The Hague – said Jandrokovic and thanked Minister Frattini for his efforts and Italy’s support. “We can consider relations between Italy and Croatia as allied and partnership relations”.