SIGNING OF U.S.-ADRIATIC CHARTER POSTPONED

WASHINGTON, April 4 (Hina) - The signing of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter, expected in the first half of April, has been postponed due to the busy schedule of U.S. State Secretary Colin Powell, the State Department reported Friday. #L# The Croatian, Macedonian and Albanian foreign ministers and State Secretary Powell were expected to sign the charter in Washington in the first half of this month. The war in Iraq and Powell's diplomatic activities regarding the war rendered the expectation unrealistic. A source at the State Department believes that the charter could still be signed in April, however, it is more probable it will be signed in May. Asked if there were any indications that Croatia was being punished for its refusal to fully support the American military action in Iraq, Croatia's Ambassador in Washington Ivan Grdesic told Hina that in meetings with American officials there had been no indications of retaliation and that relations between the two countries were still very good. America, Croatia, Macedonia and Albania have already harmonised the text of the charter and are only waiting for its signing. The charter formalises the U.S. support to the three countries on their path towards NATO and envisages cooperation in meeting conditions for access into the alliance. The charter does not specify the date of entry, but does say that the three countries may become NATO members as soon as possible, after all conditions are met. (hina) lml sb