RACAN: ATTACK ON AFGHANISTAN 'EXPECTED, UNDERSTANDABLE MOVE'

ZAGREB, Oct 8 (Hina) - The Croatian government believes the attack on the military facilities of the Taliban regime and terrorists in Afghanistan is "announced, expected and understandable", Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said on Monday, expressing hope measures had been take to prevent civilian victims. "For the Croatian government, the attack on the strongholds and facilities of the Taliban regime and terrorists in Afghanistan was an announced, expected and understandable step," Racan told reporters at a regular press conference. The Afghan people is a victim of terrorism and the policy of its government, he said. The stand of the Croatian government in principle is determination to contribute to the world fight against terrorism in different ways and insistence on "refusing to equate any form of terrorism with any race, nation or religion." Racan also stressed that "the armed conflict with terrorism and terrorists cannot be the only and most important means" of prevention and pointed to the need to analyse specific forms of terrorism and reconsider international relations. Croatia is carefully watching the situation as it develops but it is bound to contribute to the allies in the coalition and its activities are therefore directed to contribution in the field of information, intelligence and consultation, Racan said. Croatia's goal is to secure internal stability and safety, which Racan believes is a contribution to fighting terrorism on the global level. Racan said senior government members today held a session at which competent ministries were instructed to raise security level and tighten control on border crossings, airports and in public buildings. Public companies have been requested to raise the level of readiness as have local bodies of authority. Croatia must be ready for the possibility of "a refugee wave reaching its borders", Racan said. (hina) sb rml