NEW YORK: PRESIDENTS MESIC, BUSH HOLD TALKS

NEW YORK, Nov 10 (Hina) - Croatia has unambiguously sided with the global anti-terrorist coalition and extended its help in combating terrorism, while its President Stipe Mesic thinks Croatian medical services, with the knowledge and experience gained in the 1990s Homeland War, could help in the joint international effort.#L# Following talks with United States President George Bush at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Saturday, Mesic said they discussed topical issues in connection with the struggle against terrorism, as well as economic relations, international investments, and Croatia's rapprochement with Euro-Atlantic structures. "Everyone should answer the call to fight terrorism as only then will terrorism not have a chance. It should, however, be understood that developed countries must help undeveloped ones to activate their resources as soon as possible, to eradicate poverty, which is the environment breeding terrorists and terrorism," said Mesic. Responding to a reporter's question, Mesic said that "American and Croatian intelligence services are cooperating already, and this cooperation benefits both sides, particularly in combating terrorism and preventing drug trafficking." "The talks with President Bush indicated the U.S. would not change its policy towards Southeast Europe and would remain present (there), but America wants Europe to do its share as well," said Mesic. The U.S. fully supports Croatia's bids to enter NATO and the European Union, he added. Later today, Mesic will meet Albanian President Rexep Meidani and Bosnian Prime Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija. Before that, he will attend the UN General Assembly 56th annual conference and attend a lunch organised by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. (hina) ha