GRANIC RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL FOR COOPERATION WITH HAGUE

ZAGREB, Oct 17 (Hina) - Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic said on Friday he was resigning as president of the government's council for cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague and international criminal courts. #L# Granic announced his resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Ivica Racan, in which he said his resignation was prompted by today's decision of the parliament, which he said committed the government and its council to act differently than they had up until now. He added that such a decision was opposed to his understanding of legality and protection of Croatian interests, which he said he was convinced were right. The Croatian government adopted a decision on Friday committing the government to ensure that all members of the Croatian military or police forces suspected or indicted by the Hague tribunal were provided with full legal assistance and access to the documents necessary for the preparation of defence. The decision was proposed by the Social Liberal Party (HSLS) as part of an interpellation request in the case of Croatian army general Ante Gotovina who is sought by the Hague tribunal. Later in the day, Racan acknowledged receipt of Granic's letter of resignation, but did not comment on it. The prime minister expressed regret at the decision of the parliament. "The government will implement the parliament's decision, but what it will mean for Croatia's relations with the Hague tribunal is another matter," he told reporters outside the government building. (hina) vm sb