Relations between Slovenia and Croatia to be Put to the Test in 2002

Ljubljana, 2 January - After years of deadlock significant progress was made in the Slovene-Croatian relations in 2001, as the two countries ten years after they gained independence came closer to settling issues that have remained open as a consequence of the disintegration of former Yugoslavia. Negotiations on the course of the state border and the disputed status of the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant closed with the initialing of the border agreement and the signing of the N-plant agreement. The relations will nevertheless be put to the test in 2002, as the two documents are being severely criticised in both countries.