RACAN WELCOMES BAXTER'S STATEMENT

ZAGREB, Nov 6 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan on Tuesday welcomed a statement by the US corporation Baxter indicating that the death of 23 patients who underwent hemodialysis in Croatia was probably related to the liquid used in the production of Baxter's A and AF series of dialysers. The liquid in question has been used in the production of certain fibres in those dialysers, Racan told reporters in the government building. He also disclosed some details of an investigation carried out by the Croatian authorities. On 20 October, experts with the Interior Ministry discovered a toxic compound in the dialysers. We were on the track on October 20, and confirmed our findings on October 22. On October 23, we forwarded our findings to the US authorities and asked for additional tests to be performed in the US and at some independent institutions in Europe, he said, adding the findings had been confirmed. The investigation by police and the State Prosecution is underway and the government and the public will be informed about its results in time, he added. In October 2001, 23 kidney patients died in eight hemodialysis centres in Croatia. Due to the tragedy, Racan relieved Health Minister Ana Stavljenic-Rukavina of duty. (hina) np