WAR VETERANS' ASSOCIATION SLAMS AGAIN PRESIDENT MESIC

SPLIT, Feb 1 (Hina) - The central headquarters for the defence of the Homeland War's dignity on Thursday severely criticised Croatia's President Stjepan Mesic over his statements in Davos last weekend, and expressed belief that the Government, unlike Mesic, would opt for standing by the people and homeland. The Split-based headquarters' leader, Lieutenant Mirko Condic, claimed that President Mesic was consistent in carrying out an anti-Croatian policy and he also proved it at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Accusing Mesic of "treason", Condic blamed Mesic for his talks with Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica and American businessman George Soros. The indignant Condic called on the national parliament and all political parties to stop "the traitorous conduct" of Mesic. A part of the opposition press has in a similar manner recently slammed Mesic's statements. "Slobodna Dalmacija" for instance, has drawn a conclusion that the Croatian head of state did yet another good job for "his Balkan friends, patrons and their strategic interests, and a very bad job for the Croatian people and its state..." (hina) sb ms