ZAGREB, Jan 16 (Hina) - The Embassy of the United States does not want to comment on its private communications with the Croatian Government, but "it would like to ensure that the Croatian media and public are aware of the
fundamentals of present U.S. policy toward Libya", read a press release issued by the American Embassy in Zagreb on Friday.
ZAGREB, Jan 16 (Hina) - The Embassy of the United States does not want
to comment on its private communications with the Croatian Government,
but "it would like to ensure that the Croatian media and public are
aware of the fundamentals of present U.S. policy toward Libya", read a
press release issued by the American Embassy in Zagreb on Friday.#L#
According to some media reports, the U.S. Ambassador to Zagreb, Ralph
Frank, has asked Croatia to temporarily postpone some jobs it agreed
with Libya.
According to diplomatic sources, Washington would like to see Croatia
postpone the agreed overhaul of a Libyan warship, which should be
carried out in a Croatian shipyard. The United States allegedly wants
to see the postponement until it assesses whether Libya abides by its
commitments.
According to the Embassy's press release, Libyan "President Qadhafi
committed to destroy the weapons (of mass destruction) and development
programs, submit to international inspections, and join appropriate
international control regimes. That process has only just begun".
It went on to say that "the Libyan Government's commitments have not
been fully implemented nor yet verified".
"Further, the U.S. has continuing concerns about the Libyan regime's
role with respect to terrorism, its poor human rights record, and its
policies in Africa," the press release read.
Washington will consider easing its sanctions on Libya "once Libya has
verifiably demonstrated progress toward its commitments".
"We believe it would be prudent for other countries, including
Croatia, to follow a similar course regarding their relations with
Libya," the press release concluded.
(Hina) ms sb