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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
January 25, 1999

U.S. Welcomes Croatian and Montenegrin
Actions To Open Border Crossings

The United States welcomes actions taken last week by the governments of Croatia and Montenegro to open border crossings at Debeli Brijeg and on the Vitaljina-Njivice road. The opening of these crossings represents an important confidence building measure that will enable Croatians and Montenegrins living in the region to rebuild the economic and cultural ties that were broken by the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia. Moreover, it symbolizes the goodwill that is shared by the people living on both sides of the border.

We call on Croatia and Montenegro to coordinate their efforts with officials of the U.N. Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP) in order to ensure that civilians may travel in a safe and efficient manner that does not impede UNMOP's operations. This is important because were it not for UNMOP's effectiveness in reducing tensions and promoting a return to normality, the borders would likely still be closed today.

The opening of these border crossings is a meaningful first step toward settling the outstanding differences that the FRY and Croatia have over the Prevlaka peninsula. We hope this positive example can serve as a springboard for launching additional confidence building measures in the region. With this in mind, we call on the FRY and Croatia to intensify their efforts to negotiate a lasting settlement.

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