CROATIA IS GOOD EXAMPLE TO COUNTRIES IN REGION -- DEFENCE MINISTER

ZAGREB, Feb 19 (Hina) - Croatia is a good example for countries in the region because by decreasing its military potential it has shown readiness to contribute to the stabilisation if the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the region unlike the unclear stance of the new Yugoslav authorities towards the integrity of Bosnia- Herzegovina, Croatian Defence Minister Jozo Rados said on Monday. Rados held talks with a delegation of the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) general staff in Bosnia-Herzegovina, with Lieutenant General Michael Dodson at the helm. "By decreasing its military potential Croatia has become a good example to countries of the region, but warns that the policy of Yugoslavia towards Bosnia-Herzegovina is not good and can aggravate stabilisation and creating democracy in the region," Rados said after the meeting. Both sides, According to the Defence Minister, expressed satisfaction with cooperation, because, "our mutual goal is maintaining peace and stabilising political relations in Bosnia- Herzegovina and in the Balkans". Croatia advocates Bosnia's integrity and has shown it really means is "by severing informal ties with the military component of Bosnian Croats and strengthening clear ties with official bodies of Bosnia-Herzegovina," while the new Yugoslav authorities have not even voiced their opinion regarding Bosnia's integrity, let alone done something concrete on the issue. Croatia will continue to decrease its military power, but if other countries in the region do not follow its example, it will have to consider protecting its security and interests, Rados stressed. Dodson thanked Rados and Croatian Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Petar Stipetic for having Croatia set a good example to countries in the region and announced more frequent meetings focusing on cooperation between Croatia and SFOR. (hina) lml