Mr. Sergio Vento, Italian Ambassador To Yugoslavia

* After the recognition of Croatia and Slovenia, we are faced with a completely new political situation. On one hand, there are two independent states, and, on the other, "the rest" of Yugoslavia with a yet undefined international status. Will you remain ambassador to Yugoslavia?

I most certainly will. The Embassy is working normally. Yugoslavia is a member of the UN and KEBS. Therefore, the diplomatic relations with your country will remain as they were.

* Is Italy planning to recognize the independence of Macedonia?

That republic corresponds to the standards of the Badinter Commission. Italy will act in unison with the European Community. The recognition does not solve the essence of the problem. My country is against the atomization of the states and against anything that complicates the European integration.

* This process of atomization, as you call it, was also helped by the recognition of Slovenia and Croatia.

Italy was the first, together with Germany, to announce its readiness to recognize the two republics even without the consent of the EC. However, it did not recognize Slovenia and Croatia on its own. There were such proposals, but we eventually accepted the EC procedure.

* It is thought here that Italy has been changing its standpoint far too often and that it has from a loud advocate of the Yugoslav unity turned into one of the main "destroyers" of Yugoslavia.

There are people who remember only what suits them. I would like to remind you of the Italian position in the past two or three years, since the beginning of the Yugoslav crisis. Italy has, as a member of the EC, supported the transformation of Yugoslavia on the democratic basis. I would suggest to my Serbian friends to check out the articles published in "Vjesnik " and "Delo" (daily newspapers from Zagreb and Ljubljana) in the last two years. They were saying that our advocating Yugoslavia was an obsolete viewpoint. Then the war, which everybody in vain tried to prevent, broke out. Italy introduced a very rigid control of its borders. It is the only country which controls arms and brings smugglers to court. Why doesn't the Serbian press publish that?

* However, it would be untrue to say that the Italian media have taken a neutral position in the Yugoslav conflict...

I do not wish to comment on what the Italian media say. It is only too natural that the escalation of war in the heart of Europe provoked fierce reactions in Italy. The war strengthened the belief that the process of self-determination of certain peoples is endangered. All the political parties were of that opinion. The government had to take that into account.

* What is the destiny of the international agreements signed by Yugoslavia and Italy? Who is to be the successor to, let's say, the Osimo Agreements?

The Osimo Agreements were signed with Yugoslavia as an international subject. All the agreements should be regulated with the successor of former Yugoslavia on bilateral basis and according to the conclusions of the Peace Conference on Yugoslavia. the Osimo Agreements treat the specific geographical and political issues, as well as the protection of the minorities, and they thus refer primarily to Slovenia and Croatia.

* How well substantiated are the news concerning "the diplomatic pressure" Italy is exerting on Montenegro to lead a more independent policy with regards to Serbia?

We have good relations with Montenegro. The visit of Montenegrin prime minister Mr. Djukanovic to Italy last year was very useful. We are aware that the relations between Serbia and Montenegro are based on a very long tradition and nobody wishes to neglect that. The only problem is whether these relations are preserving the status quo or are open to new forms of integration.

* What is the role of the Italian soldiers in Albania?

They have been stationed there according to the agreement with the Albanian government and are helping to distribute food and drugs. They also collaborate with the authorities in order to prevent another mass exodus to Italy.

I would also like to stress something else: I have recently read the statements of professor Ratko Markovic concerning "the extremely important historical and political dimension of Serbia as an international subject". He said that the relations between Serbia and Albania are of key importance. I find that to be correct. It is beyond doubt that my government would warmly welcome a dialogue between Serbia and Albania.

* Will the forthcoming UN peace-keeping troops include Italian soldiers as well?

It is a discarded subject. The neighbouring countries should not take part in such operations. However, we are all for the impending arrival of the UN troops. It is very likely that the international community will soon be fed up with the Yugoslav crisis after it realizes that there is not enough good political will to stop the conflicts. This operation will cost around two or three hundred million dollars a year and it does not enjoy a heartfelt support of the international community.