ZAGREB, Feb 18 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's Committee for Internal Affairs and National Security on Tuesday unanimously endorsed the government's stance towards the Iraqi crisis. Members of the Committee for Foreign Affairs,
however, failed to agree on the issue, the committees' chairmen, Ante Markov and Zdravko Tomac respectively, reported Tuesday.
ZAGREB, Feb 18 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's Committee for
Internal Affairs and National Security on Tuesday unanimously
endorsed the government's stance towards the Iraqi crisis. Members
of the Committee for Foreign Affairs, however, failed to agree on
the issue, the committees' chairmen, Ante Markov and Zdravko Tomac
respectively, reported Tuesday. #L#
At today's session, the internal affairs committee concluded that
the government would continue to follow the development of events
and regularly inform the committee about it. These reports will be a
foundation for a decision about whether and when the parliament
will discuss the subject, Markov said.
The chairman of the foreign policy committee, Zdravko Tomac, told
reporters that members of his committee failed to agree with
conclusions of the other committee.
"The Opposition insisted that the prime minister's report only be
noted, but not supported. The ruling coalition, however, insisted
that the report be adopted," Tomac said.
Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) president Ivo Sanader said after
the session that it would be good if parties could reach minimum
agreement in the future.
The HDZ has a high degree of understanding for all those affected by
terrorist attacks and recognises America's determination to do
away with the threat of weapons of mass destruction, he said.
"The cooperation between the EU and USA has no alternative. It is a
well-known fact that America always ran to Europe's aid whenever
necessary," said Sanader.
"Croatia should firmly support the international order and
decisions by the U.N. Security Council. By signing the Vilnius
Group statement, Croatia is seen by the world as a country which
firmly supports the United States. The government's later decision
on Iraq more closely corresponds to the EU's stance," said the
president of the Democratic Centre (DC), Mate Granic.
At the session, Social Liberals (HSLS) demanded that the Croatian
signature be withdrawn from the Vilnius Group statement, while the
Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) insisted that no mention of this
signature ever be made again in the government's views regarding
Iraq.
(hina) lml