CROATIAN PREMIER IS NOT PESSIMISTIC AFTER DEL PONTE'S REPORT

ZAGREB, Oct 10 (Hina) - Premier Ivica Racan on Friday said he was not pessimistic about Croatia's position after a report which the chief prosecutor of the UN war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Carla del Ponte, submitted to the Security Council last night. #L# Just as in a court, it is necessary to listen to both sides, namely to the assessments of the Chief Prosecutor, as well as to what the Croatian government, as the other side, has to say, Racan said. He gave this statement after he was asked by a reporter how Del Ponte's report would be interpreted by other countries, such as Great Britain, which has not yet ratified the Croatia-EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Racan went to say that in assessing Del Ponte's report one should consider a number of aspects. The report could have been harsher, given that it was compiled by the prosecution. However, it also could have been more favourable and more in accordance with the tone of the talks Del Ponte held in Zagreb on Monday, he said. "The report does not contain any request for any special criticism of Croatia or for setting up obstacles on Croatia's path towards the EU," Racan said. He reiterated that his cabinet was willing to offer full cooperation and that it would like to contribute to the solution of the case of the fugitive general Ante Gotovina. Racan wishes for Gotovina to surrender and thus put an end to the case, although he is increasingly sceptical on this matter. "At the moment we have no evidence, despite many checks, that Gotovina is in Croatia, but I am not claiming that he is not here," the premier added. He admitted that there had been some weak spots in cooperation with the tribunal, but Croatia was aware that it should correct them. Racan said that relevant bodies should continue checking any information they received about the case. (hina) ms