ZAGREB, April 12 (RFE/RL) - Macedonian President Kiro
Gligorov, visiting Croatia today, ruled out a new union of former Yugoslav republics but said they must improve their political and economic ties.
Gligorov said "We oppose pre-set formulas of a union, federation or confederation of former Yugoslav republics." He said the Balkans had had enough bitter experience with such political formations.
In an address to the Croatian Parliament, Gligorov said "The future has to be built on different basic principles -- agreements by equal partners."
He said every republic from the old Yugoslavia must build political, economic and cultural relations with the others on a voluntary basis. Earlier in the day Gligorov met Croatian President Franjo Tudjman and discussed bilateral relations. He was scheduled to leave Zagreb this evening.
Gligorov said "We oppose pre-set formulas of a union, federation or confederation of former Yugoslav republics." He said the Balkans had had enough bitter experience with such political formations.
In an address to the Croatian Parliament, Gligorov said "The future has to be built on different basic principles -- agreements by equal partners."
He said every republic from the old Yugoslavia must build political, economic and cultural relations with the others on a voluntary basis. Earlier in the day Gligorov met Croatian President Franjo Tudjman and discussed bilateral relations. He was scheduled to leave Zagreb this evening.