Dear Slovenians, We Do Not Respond to Blackmail

Europe us unifying. It is a millennium venture and Slovenia is not only hindering Croatia, but the venture which is in Europe’s interest.

ZAGREB, CROATIA – Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said in an interview for the Slobodna dalmacija daily that Croatia should not burden themselves with Slovenians because that is not an issue Croatia can resolve. It is obvious, Mesic claims, that some people in Slovenia believe that Croatia is vulnerable because its goal is to enter the European Union, so it can be pressured and Croatia will concede to something it would never concede to normally.

But, dear neighbours Slovenians, this will not be so, Mesic stressed. The reason for this is, he says, in the fact that Croatia cannot allow not to have a border at sea with Italy, which is why we will not ease up on our arguments, just like the Slovenians will not ease up on theirs. But Croatia is proposing something that is completely fair, honest and humane to resolve the situation, which is for the two countries to turn to international arbitration, President Mesic said.

- The most logical option would be the International Court of Justice in The Hague because they deal with such issues. It would cost us nothing and Croatia accepts decisions made by that court! Can anything be more simple or clearer – Mesic asked and commented on suggestions that a three-member court comprised of a Croatian, a Slovenian and a third judge who would be chosen by the first two, decides on the fate of Croatia and Slovenia, stressing this makes no sense.

‘Europe needs us as much as we need Europe’ 

The reason for this is that something like this would be too expensive and would take up too much precious time. It would also be questionable how much international conventions would be applied in such a case, he said. Mesic reiterated that Slovenia’s conduct is not Croatia’s problem, but an issue for Brussels which should respond to the question how long it would tolerate Slovenia abusing Croatia.

- What is the logic in Croatia having to wait for the solving of one bilateral dispute to realise its strategic goal: entry into Europe! Let’s leave Slovenia to Europe and we should focus on our part of the task: meeting standards and all the necessary conditions! – Mesic said, adding that Croatia would not respond to any blackmail or ultimatums, since Europe needs Croatia, not just the other way round.

- Europe is unifying. It is a millennium venture and Slovenia is not only hindering Croatia, but the venture which is in the interest of the whole of Europe – the Croatian president concluded in his interview.