ZAGREB, Oct 8 (Hina) - The shelling of targets in Afghanistan is the beginning of expected and previously announced operations which are part of the military segment of the response to the threat of global terrorism, which has
manifested itself in the horrendous attacks on the United States less than a month ago, reads a statement issued by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Monday.
ZAGREB, Oct 8 (Hina) - The shelling of targets in Afghanistan is the
beginning of expected and previously announced operations which
are part of the military segment of the response to the threat of
global terrorism, which has manifested itself in the horrendous
attacks on the United States less than a month ago, reads a
statement issued by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Monday.
#L#
"I have defined Croatia's position very clearly on several
occasions and I can only reiterate that our key national and state
interests, as well as our strong commitment to democracy, civil
society, secular state and the rule of law determine our position in
the world anti-terrorist coalition which is being established and
is already active.
"A global war against terrorism is not a war against any specific
state, nation, or members of any religious group, although
terrorists would like to show it that way. It is simply a set of not
only military but economic and political moves aimed against those
who instigate, organise and implement acts of terrorism and all
those - whether individuals, organisations or states - who assist
terrorists in any way.
"As a state committed to democracy and freedom and as a state
aspiring to join NATO, we will do all we objectively can to help in
the world fight against global terrorism. Our place in the anti-
terrorist coalition is unquestionable. It could be brought into
question only by those who put their personal interests before
state interests, jeopardising the credibility of our anti-
terrorist policy, or, drawing, in these serious times, moves which
could negatively affect the functioning of the state defence
mechanisms."
The statement is concluded with the following sentence: "As the
President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Croatian
Armed Forces I want to assure all our citizens that I will continue
doing all I can so that competent state organs and institutions
carry out their duties in a responsible manner, protecting and
guaranteeing the safety of our state and its citizens."
(hina) rml