MINISTER PANCIC COMMENTS ON COOPERATION WITH ICTY

GOSPIC, April 19 (Hina) - Asked for a comment after Wednesday's protest meeting in Gospic, the Minister of Homeland War Soldiers, Ivica Pancic, said the Declaration on Cooperation with the ICTY was not contrary to Croatia's interests and did not question the basic values of the Homeland War. "The Declaration on Cooperation with the Hague tribunal follows the Constitutional Law on Cooperation with the tribunal, which was adopted by the former government. Some of those who participated in the adoption of that law now demand its annulment. Obligations which have been taken over must be fulfilled if we want to be part of the democratic and civilised world," Pancic said. "Manipulating with the feelings of Croatian soldiers and the families of killed soldiers is least useful at the moment," Pancic said. The parliamentary debate about the adoption of the Declaration on Cooperation with the ICTY showed that Croatia "is a civilised and democratic country." "The existence of different groups which have different views regarding certain issues is normal and democratic, and time will show who was right. Had Croatian investigative bodies done their job, there would be no dispute with the Hague tribunal," Pancic said. "Exhumations are taking place in Gospic and representatives of Croatian state bodies are taking part in them, and Croatia's sovereignty is fully guaranteed." This in no way means that Croat Homeland War victims are being neglected, Pancic said, adding investigations should continue in the Danube region, Gospic area, and all other places where Croatian soldiers and civilians were killed, Pancic said. Cooperation with the international community should be continued, he said. "I believe this problem has arisen because the residents of Gospic and the surrounding area were not informed well and on time about what Hague investigators are doing in the area. This is a very sensitive topic and we do not need media sensationalism," the minister said. (hina) rml