ZAGREB, March 20 (Hina) - With the exception of the main opposition party - the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) - the leaders of the ruling coalition's parties and the opposition in parliament on Thursday voiced regret over the attack
on Iraq and concern about the future of the international order.
ZAGREB, March 20 (Hina) - With the exception of the main opposition
party - the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) - the leaders of the
ruling coalition's parties and the opposition in parliament on
Thursday voiced regret over the attack on Iraq and concern about the
future of the international order. #L#
All parties share concern for civilian victims in Iraq and a wish
for the war to end as soon as possible.
HDZ deputies refused to comment on the attack on Iraq, stating only
that their stand had already been presented in a statement by party
leader Ivo Sanader, who supported the US and President George
Bush's policy.
Parliament vice-president Zdravko Tomac of the Social Democratic
Party said Iraq at the moment did not pose a threat to world peace
and the U.N. should have been given more time. It is vital that the
war ends as soon as possible, he said, adding that it was in
Croatia's interest that nothing threatening the international
order and the U.N. happened.
He also stated than no country should have the right to threaten
Croatia because of its stand towards the war in Iraq.
Libra president Jozo Rados believes that the war in Iraq will lead
to serious problems not only between the West and Muslims, but also
within the West itself. This war brings the germs of future
terrorism, he said.
Liberal Party president Ivo Banac believes that the military
operation against Iraq goes beyond the framework of international
order and that the US government would have to face its
consequences. "I pray to God to ease the suffering of the victims,"
Banac said.
Croatian People's Party leader Vesna Pusic said she wanted the
allied forces and the Iraqi people to end the war as soon as
possible, get rid of Saddam Hussein and start the democratic
rebuilding of Iraq.
Dorica Nikolic, secretary-general of the Social Liberals, said the
war could have been avoided and if it lasted longer, it could change
the international situation, the U.N. and NATO to the extent that
"nothing will ever be the same again".
Democratic Centre leader Mate Granic said that without any
sympathies for Saddam Hussein one should abide by the principle
that military interventions should be within the framework of the
U.N. Security Council.
Croatian Bloc president Ivic Pasalic said it was a pity that the
disarmament of Iraq had not been carried out peacefully and through
the U.N.
Croatian Party of Rights leader Anto Djapic said the current
situation was the biggest crisis in the last 40 years. It is a threat
to the global international order and will cause a major crisis in
the U.N. and NATO, Djapic said, adding that Croatia should
reconsider its foreign policy.
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