Plenković offers reassurance regarding the contruction of Pelješac Bridge.
PM Andrej Plenković is in Jelsa, Hvar on the 14th of August, 2017 and Večernji List reported that aside from offering reassurance around the Pelješac Bridge issue, which has recently rekindled tensions with Bosnia, he talked about the controversial property tax and announced that expert discussions would take place, after which, it would be decided when the new law will start being implemented.
Plenković stated that the Pelješac Bridge construction project is set to continue, pointing out that it is a strategic project for the Republic of Croatia and the largest individual project funded by the European Union, noting that it should be complete by 2020 or 2021.
“As far as the Pelješac Bridge is concerned, I think that the Government of the Republic of Croatia has been quite clear, and that’s what I said a few days ago. Not only is the project of the construction of the Pelješac Bridge continuing, but we have secured 357 million euros,” Plenković told journalists in Jelsa today.
Plenković spoke in reference to a statement made by the Bosniak member of the BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Presidency, Bakir Izetbegović, who said in a Sunday interview with Sarajevo’s Faktor.ba portal that Croatia should not build the Pelješac Bridge before defining the maritime border between the two nations and ensuring the right of undisturbed access to the open sea.
The Croatian Prime Minister reiterated that he advocated for proper dialogue with all of the country’s neighbours, including with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“If anything needs to be explained, we’ll explain everything to our neighbours. The technical characteristics of the bridge are such that they allow for the passage of all types of vessels.”
To a journalist’s inquiry as to whether an international dispute over the Pelješac Bridge is to be expected, the Prime Minister replied denying any such notion.
“I expect to build the Pelješac bridge project linking southern Dalmatia with the rest of the Republic of Croatia. This is a strategic project for the Republic of Croatia and the largest single project funded by the European Union and I hope that it will be realised by 2020 or 2021.” reiterated Plenković.
The PM is in Jelsa on the occasion of the ceremonial session of the Jelsa Municipal Council.
Translated from Večernji.hr
