RULING COALITION DISCUSSES U.S. REQUEST ON NON-EXTRADITION

ZAGREB, May 23 (Hina) - Croatia might request a presidential exemption from consequences of not signing an agreement on the non- extradition of U.S. citizens to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Libra president Jozo Rados said Friday after a meeting of leaders of Croatia's ruling coalition. #L# "This is the most probable step Croatia intends to take, but there are other legal possibilities," Rados told reporters. He could not say whether the agreement would be discussed at a plenary parliament session, but believes that party benches will certainly voice their stands on the issue. Croatia should respond to the American request by July 1. The five party leaders also discussed an agreement between Croatia and Bosnia on Ploce Harbour, concluding that the ratification of the document had been pending for a long time. Bosnia has ratified the agreement, Rados recalled, and added that Croatia's stalling the ratification did not contribute to the country's reputation. He also said that at today's two-hour meeting, the coalition leaders had not discussed the date of the coming parliamentary elections. (hina) lml sb