President Ivan Gašparovič Meets Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader

The President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič held talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Sanader.

The two officials discussed both bilateral relations and their intensification in the economic area. Ivo Sanader thanked the Slovak President for Slovakia’s continuous support towards Croatia’s integration ambitions in relation to NATO and the European Union.

They also discussed the Kosovo issue. Ivo Sanader understands Slovakia’s difficult position as regards negotiations about the future status of Kosovo. In his opinion, it would be best if the EU took a joint standpoint on the Kosovo issue.

Ivan Gašparovič believes that the decision on the Kosovo issue will have a broad impact on the future of the Western Balkans. Slovakia’s position with respect to this issue is not simple; as a UN Security Council member, Slovakia will have to make a clear-cut standpoint. Whatever decision is adopted, says Gašparovič, it will never be acceptable for both sides unconditionally. In his opinion, Europe and the US have a moral duty to participate in seeking a solution to the Kosovo issue.