DEFENCE MIN.: SITUATION IN CROATIA NORMAL, DEMOCRATIC OCCURRENCE

ZAGREB, July 9 (Hina) - Resigned Defence Minister Jozo Rados has described the situation in Croatia as a completely normal democratic situation. Talking to reporters after meeting Romanian counterpart Ioan Misce Pascu in Zagreb on Monday, Rados said he did not want to make any particular comments on the situation in the wake of a rift in the government over a decision to extradite indictees to the Hague war crimes tribunal. He did say he had refused Pascu's proposal to postpone today's meeting. "What is happening in Croatia today is an ordinary, regular democratic situation, and the Defence Ministry's foreign policy and international cooperation is proceeding along its course, as are the regular activities of the Ministry and the Armed Forces." Reporters asked General Petar Stipetic, the military chief-of- staff, to comment on Sunday's meeting between President Stipe Mesic and General Rahim Ademi, who is unofficially believed to be one of The Hague's latest indictees. "It was just a friendly conversation which did touch upon The Hague, which is normal," said Stipetic. He added President Mesic pledged full support to Ademi as well as assistance in preparations for defence before the Hague tribunal. Asked if this was confirmation that Ademi was on the latest indictments, Stipetic answered in the negative, saying Mesic had summoned Ademi in the wake of media allegations. The military chief-of-staff said he had not seen the indictment. (hina) ha sb