FOREIGN MINISTER COMMENTS ON IRAQI CRISIS AT ZAGREB WAR SCHOOL

ZAGREB, Feb 19 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Wednesday held a lecture at Zagreb's War School about the security aspects of foreign affairs and Croatia's integration process. He reflected on the Iraqi crisis and its influence on international relations, the ministry said. #L# Speaking about Croatia's attitude stance regarding the Iraqi crisis, Picula stressed that it was not possible to agree with the argument that it was vital to align either with the European Union or the United States. "We simply don't see the question of alignment as legitimate. We hope that the U.S. and EU will come to the vital agreement relating to the Iraqi crisis because a constructive partnership between the EU and the U.S. is crucial not only for resolving this crisis but for world stability in general," Picula said. He pointed out that Croatia wished to be a responsible partner to the EU and the U.S. and that partnership, besides benefit, entailed obligations. (hina) sp/ha sb