RUBIN:CROATIA'S EXPERIENCE SHOULD OPEN EYES OF OTHERS IN REGION

WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (Hina) - Croatia's experience during the recent elections should open the eyes of those in the region who are still following the policy of the national intolerance and undemocratic practice, a spokesman for the State Department, James Rubin, said on Thursday. Ahead of the Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's visit to Zagreb for the inauguration of Croatia's President-elect Stjepan Mesic, Rubin reiterated that the example which Croatia set showed what the united opposition can achieve when it offers an appropriate programme to voters. It has been clear that such messages from Washington have been forwarded to Serbia. Asked how much Croatia's example could be stimulating to the opposition in Serbia, Rubin said the United States assessed that the cooperation with the Serbian opposition had so far produced little effect. We are aware of the limited attainment of the policy toward Serbia. We, however, should keep trying to help create a convincing opposition to the regime of Slobodan Milosevic, Rubin added. Asked about the programme of Albright's visit to the Croatian capital, the spokesman said it would be a new occasion for the State Secretary to meet Croatian new officials as well as to meet heads of state who are to attend Mesic's inauguration. (hina) ms