D&B: CROATIA'S CREDIT RATING UNCHANGED

ZAGREB, Dec 9 (Hina) - Croatia's credit rating for December remains unchanged, at DB4d, the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) credit rating agency reported through the Zagreb-based BonLine business information agency. #L# According to the latest D&B report, Croatia's investment risk profile is characterised by strained relations with the Hague- based war crimes tribunal following the issuing of an indictment against General Janko Bobetko. The resolution of the situation, the report notes, has been postponed by the general's still unstable condition. Bobetko was indicted for war crimes against Serb civilians committed in 1993 during the Medak Pocket military operation. In terms of economy, the analysts note, Croatia's GDP in 2002 could grow to 3.8 percent, the inflation rate could be two percent and the unemployment rate 22 percent. The DB4d risk rate, which Croatia has been given for a number of months, signifies a moderate investment risk, however, it implies a significant risk for investment returns. Heading the D&B ladder of countries in Central and Eastern Europe with the highest credit rating, BD2d, are Hungary and Slovenia, which are followed by the Czech Republic, Estonia and Poland, rated at DB3b. The bottom of the ladder remains reserved for Yugoslavia with a rating of DB6d, which is also shared by Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belorussia and Albania. (hina) sp rml sb