SERB PRESIDENT Boris Tadic has hailed a visit by Croat counterpart Ivo Josipovic as a historic step in reconciliation between their countries, as they seek to escape the legacy of war and become members of the European Union.
Relations between the neighbours, who fought from 1991-5 after Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, have improved markedly since the election of Mr Josipovic in January, and he has struck up a rapport with the pro-western Mr Tadic.
Both men insist they are willing to resolve the many issues that have dogged relations since the war, including border disputes, the plight of refugees driven out of both countries, and mutual lawsuits alleging that Belgrade’s and Zagreb’s troops committed genocide during the conflict.
“Since our meeting [in March] our relations have taken on a new impetus; I think it is one of the best examples of bilateral co-operation in the region,” said Mr Tadic.
“Peace and stability in the region is a shared goal; we must follow a policy of co-operation and dialogue,” Mr Josipovic said.
“I have to emphasise once again that the talks were held in an atmosphere full of understanding, that we tackled a number of concrete issues, that our governments are co-operating well, and I am a big optimist about the development of future relations – although we are all aware that there are serious problems that need to be resolved.”
Mr Tadic has advocated an out-of-court settlement to the genocide case, and Mr Josipovic suggested that a continued strengthening of ties could lead to the case being resolved.
“A little more time is necessary, we need to work some more on solving problems. The lawsuit won’t run away. Goodwill and resolving problems are most important,” the Croat leader said.
In a sign of his willingness to confront the darkest pages of Serb-Croat history, Mr Tadic pledged to visit the Croatian town of Vukovar, where in 1991 Serb forces massacred 194 civilians and expelled some 22,000 non-Serbs after a three-month siege.
“Nobody needs to invite me to the side where war crimes were committed, I will come of my own accord, and of course I will come together with my friend Ivo Josipovic. We shall select the right moment for that,” Mr Tadic said.
The presidents discussed economic co-operation and the possibility of easing border controls.
Slovenia is the only former Yugoslav republic that is a member of the EU. Croatia hopes to join in 2012. Belgrade’s path is likely to be blocked, however, until it finds war crimes fugitives Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic.
