ZAGREB, Feb 18 (Hina) - Croatia is in favour of combating terrorism, but also insists on endeavours for a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis to be reached, with war as the last resort, Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said
Tuesday after a joint session of parliamentary committees for foreign affairs and internal affairs and national security.
ZAGREB, Feb 18 (Hina) - Croatia is in favour of combating terrorism,
but also insists on endeavours for a peaceful solution to the Iraqi
crisis to be reached, with war as the last resort, Croatian Prime
Minister Ivica Racan said Tuesday after a joint session of
parliamentary committees for foreign affairs and internal affairs
and national security. #L#
"Reactions after the signing of the Vilnius Group statement were
hasty. By signing the statement, Croatia did not enter a war or
assumed any war obligations," said Racan.
"At last week's session the government adopted a stance towards
Iraq which is clear -- Croatia supports the fight against
terrorism, but insists on attempts to reach a peaceful solution to
the Iraqi crisis and war as a last resort," said the premier,
asserting that this discouraged any possible misinterpretations of
the Vilnius declaration.
The statement was signed as a contribution to pressures on Saddam
Hussein's regime and assistance to the implementation of UN
Security Council Resolution 1441, but no obligations have been
assumed, Racan explained.
"In solving the Iraqi crisis, the unity of the EU and the United
States is necessary. Croatia supports endeavours for this unity to
be realised. Croatia also joins EU's stances adopted yesterday,
which warn about the danger of the regime of Saddam Hussein and
gives him the last chance to accept and apply Resolution 1441," said
the prime minister.
Only if the differences in opinion in the international community
become final will Croatia make a decision with whom it would side,
he said.
"This decision will be easy if the Council of Europe okays a
possible action against Iraq. If, however, the United States or a
group of countries make a unilateral decision, the decision will be
a very delicate one for Croatia," Racan said. He stressed that
Croatia's possible participation in the war would be decided on in
accordance with the Constitution and law.
Asked to comment on yesterday's harsh criticism by French President
Jacques Chirac against the Vilnius Group, Racan said that he did not
wish to "debate on this or that statement" and expressed conviction
that the EU would have the strength to overcome internal divisions
"in its interest and in the interest of peace".
(hina) lml sb