BRIEF NEWS BULLETIN IN ENGLISH

HR-EXTRADITION-Politika BRIEF NEWS BULLETIN IN ENGLISH BRIEF NEWS BULLETIN IN ENGLISH NO. 4958HINA Zagreb, 19 May 2003CROATIAN MINISTER EXPECTS INCREASINGLY BETTER RELATIONS WITH U.S.ZAGREB, May 19 (Hina) - Relations with the U.S. are very important, Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula said on Monday, expressing hope that bilateral ties would further be advanced. "I believe that our relations with the United States will not stagnate and will not deteriorate, but that they will really improve. However, we should ensure understanding for our position in all aspects, particularly in light of the fact that 1 July is nearing - the deadline given by the U.S. Administration for signing a bilateral agreement on the non-extradition of American nationals to the permanent International Criminal Court (ICC)," the minister said addressing the Sabor's foreign affairs committee. Picula gave this statement after he was asked about the current state of affairs in relations between Zagreb and Washin