UNMIK/PR/909
ZAGREB/PRISTINA – SRSG Michael Steiner today returned from his visit to Croatia, where he met President Stjepan Mesic, Deputy Prime Minister Slavko Linic, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tonino Picula, the Minister of Economy Ljubo Jurcic and President of the Chamber of Economy, Mr. Vidosevic. He also attended a dinner hosted the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Vesna Cvijetkovic.
“The President and the Government of Croatia fully supports our work in Kosovo”, the SRSG stated at a press conference this morning. “Our three priorities in Kosovo for 2003 are: fight against crime, establishment of a truly multiethnic society and boosting the economy.”
SRSG Michael Steiner said that “I got the impression that Croatia has a strong interest in developing the whole region and sees the need for the region to have a concrete European perspective”.
Mr. Steiner expressed satisfaction at the outcome of his meetings with the Croatian leaders. “We have confirmed intentions to sign agreements on free trade between Kosovo and Croatia, on cultural cooperation and on police cooperation”, he told journalists.
“I would welcome the return of the Croatian petrol company INA to Kosovo as this will help create jobs” SRSG Michael Steiner said. Officials from INA will come to Kosovo on Friday to look into the legal modalities.
President Mesic accepted an invitation from Mr. Steiner to visit Kosovo this year.