MESIC URGES GOVT TO OPEN AIR SPACE FOR ANTI-TERRORIST COALITION

ZAGREB, Nov 20 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic has requested that the Government adopt a decision on an immediate, unlimited and unconditional opening of Croatia's air space for flights within operations by the anti-terrorist coalition, the President's Office said in a statement on Tuesday. The request was formulated in a letter Mesic forwarded to Prime Minister Ivica Racan. The President has referred to articles of the Croatian Constitution defining his role as that of co-creator of the country's foreign policy and authorising him to suggest topics to be included in the Government's agenda. Mesic said he was submitting his request aware of his responsibility as the Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces as well. The President said the decision on opening Croatia's air space for flights within operations of the anti-terrorist coalition would confirm the credibility of Croatia's affiliation with the coalition, which he had addressed when the coalition was merely an idea. A decision to that effect would reaffirm Croatia's bids to join NATO, as well as its readiness to take over obligations that NATO membership implies, said the statement, signed by the President's Office secretary Zeljko Bagic. On November 15 the Croatian government issued a statement on its decision to enable the use of Croatian air space, airports and seaports for anti-terrorist purposes. (hina) rml