MINISTRY EXPRESSES REGRET ABOUT BRITAIN'S DECISION TO SUSPEND RATIFICATION OF SAA

ZAGREB, Oct 15 (Hina) - The Croatian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday issued a statement expressing regret over a British government decision to suspend parliamentary procedure leading to the ratification of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between Croatia and the European Union. #L# The decision of the British government comes at a time when the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), by deciding to appoint a council of appeals, has accepted the legal procedure initiated before it by the Croatian government, notes the statement. The Croatian government remains committed to its international obligations, including full cooperation with the Hague-based tribunal. Legal, procedural applications to the ICTY in the "Bobetko case" are an example of cooperation with and respect for the tribunal, says the Ministry. Complying with its international obligations, the Croatian government will respect the decision of the council of appeals, notes the statement. At the same time, the Ministry expects that the British parliament will soon resume the process of ratification of the SAA, says the statement. (hina) rml