ZAGREB, June 22 (Hina) - The US Embassy in Zagreb said in a statement on Sunday the views of former US congressman Guy Vander Jagt, expressed at yesterday's convention of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), were not those of the US
government and his comments about the HDZ were his personal views.
ZAGREB, June 22 (Hina) - The US Embassy in Zagreb said in a statement
on Sunday the views of former US congressman Guy Vander Jagt,
expressed at yesterday's convention of the Croatian Democratic
Union (HDZ), were not those of the US government and his comments
about the HDZ were his personal views. #L#
"We view the current coalition government as an important partner
in achieving positive change in the region," reads the statement.
"While there have been some changes in the HDZ, the United States
continues to urge the HDZ to complete the process of reform to
become a viable partner as Croatia continues the process of
integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions.
"The United States Government does not endorse any candidate for
election in foreign countries. It is up to the Croatian people to
decide whom they wish to elect as their government leaders," the
statement says.
Addressing the 8th HDZ convention in Zagreb on Saturday, former
Republican congressman Guy Vander Jagt said the Republicans in
Washington were thrilled with the HDZ and stressed the HDZ's
support for the US operation in Iraq. He also said the HDZ had to win
the upcoming elections and party president Ivo Sanader had to
become premier.
(hina) rml sb