ZAGREB, March 18 (Hina) - Croatian Premier Ivica Racan on Tuesday voiced regret over very slim prospects of a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis, but said he hoped that not everything had yet been lost in efforts aimed at avoiding
a war.
ZAGREB, March 18 (Hina) - Croatian Premier Ivica Racan on Tuesday
voiced regret over very slim prospects of a peaceful solution to the
Iraqi crisis, but said he hoped that not everything had yet been
lost in efforts aimed at avoiding a war. #L#
According to the latest information, the war seems almost
inevitable and "we are sorry about it, but we hope there are still
some chances for efforts aimed at avoiding the war," the premier
said at a press briefing in the government building in Zagreb.
He added that the UN Security Council would hold a session tomorrow,
which is the last chance in that direction prior to the deadline of
the American ultimatum issued to Saddam Hussein.
In the event of a military operation, the Croatian government hopes
it will be a brief action with as little civilian victims as
possible, the premier said.
Racan said he was disappointed to see a lack of unity in the UN
Security Council and the Croatian government was also concerned
over elements of disharmony in the European Union, but hoped that
the EU would muster enough strength to show a harmonised political
stand on such a grave issue.
The premier reiterated that Croatia was willing to take an active
part in only military operations approved by the UN Security
Council.
He said Croatia would also comply with obligations it assumed
towards the United States and its allies, adding that this referred
to the government's decision of allowing the allies' aircraft to
use Croatia's airspace and land and fuel at Croatian airports.
Racan does not see any contradiction in the promise to meet
commitments towards the United States and support the Security
Council's stands.
Croatia will not join in armed operations which have not been given
the green light from the Council, but it will, like some other
countries, cooperate in a way with the United States, Racan told
reporters, reminding them that such a form of cooperation was
carried out by Germany and France, for instance.
Racan added that the Croatian state leadership was constantly
holding consultations on the Iraqi crisis and that it was unanimous
in its views.
He added that he was expecting from the country's friends,
including the United States, to understand Zagreb's position.
Racan declined to give more details on further measures his cabinet
would take in the case of war in Iraq.
(hina) ms