RULING COALITION STARTS CLOSED-DOOR MEETING

ZAGREB, Feb 23 (Hina) - The leaders of Croatia's five-party ruling coalition started a closed-door meeting in Zagreb on Sunday morning. #L# According to unofficial sources, the Social Democrats' leader and Prime Minister Ivica Racan will inform the coalition partners about his visit to Athens, where last Friday he handed Croatia's application for full membership in the European Union to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, chairman of the European Council. The coalition leaders are also expected to make a decision about a non-paper sent by the United States, inquiring about Croatia's willingness to allow the use of its air space and air bases for supplying planes with fuel in case of a war against Iraq. Racan said on Friday that Croatia had received certain inquiries about which services it was willing to provide in the event of a war in Iraq. The non-paper was sent to other countries as well, but the government has not decided about it yet. Racan said he would have to consult his coalition partners before adopting any final decision. (hina) rml