The apologies exchanged for past wrongs committed by any citizen of one country against any citizen of the other on the occasion of the first meeting between the Croatian President Stipe Mesic with his counterpart of Serbia-Montenegro, President Svetozar Marovic, in more than ten years, are “an important reconciling gesture of mutual respect”, Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek said.  The meeting, which took place in Belgrade, clearly demonstrated the improved relations between two neighbours, both of whom are committed to European integration including membership of the European Union.  It also serves as an example for other parts in the region, where past injustices still hamper political and economic progress.