US EMBASSY ON CROATIA'S ROLE IN STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM

ZAGREB, Oct 2 (Hina) - The United States Embassy to Croatia on Tuesday issued a statement commenting on articles that appeared in some Croatian media today to the effect that Croatia was not deemed a full member of the international coalition that is being assembled to combat terrorism. "From the day of the tragic events on September 11, Ambassador Lawrence Rossin, in numerous interviews, statements and articles, has expressed the United States Government's gratitude to the Government of Croatia and to the Croatian people for their outpouring of support and statements of solidarity in the face of these attacks," read the statement. "Croatia's own statements and actions have made it clear its determination to contribute to the struggle against terrorism. Ambassador Rossin gas stated that the United States Government considers Croatia a full member of the global coalition and a welcome participant. Any reporting to the contrary does not represent the view of the United States Government and is therefore wrong," the statement read. The components of the response to the September 11 attacks are being assembled and are evolving, the US Embassy stressed. President Bush has emphasised that many measures will be taken in what must by the nature of the adversary be a complex, difficult and lengthy struggle, the US Embassy said. "The United States Government is grateful to the Croatian government for its response to these tragic events and for Croatia's 's role in the international effort to eradicate terrorism and every entity that supports and harbours it," the statement read. (hina) it