RACAN: GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS DIALOGUE, REFUSES BLACKMAIL, THREATS

ZAGREB, May 11 (Hina) - Commenting on a protest rally Croatian veterans had staged in the southern port of Split on Wednesday, Premier Ivica Racan told Croatian Television he had nothing against free expressions of criticism of everything, the government included, but added a problem arose when such protests became a threat to democracy. "The problem arises when a protest becomes a threat to the democratic progress of the country and when individuals, who threaten with terrorism and damage, speak on behalf of the dissatisfied," Racan said. He believes behind "the attempt to cause turmoil" are those who cannot reconcile with Croatia's current situation, the democratic change of the government, and who object to Europe. Croatia's Homeland War and its values must not be jeopardised, the premier said, adding the current government was protecting the Homeland War in the only way possible, namely by not allowing those who are not veterans, who became so subsequently and committed crimes, hide behind those who are veterans. The true veterans support the government, he asserted. "The government accepts dialogue, but cannot accept blackmail and threats of damage," Racan said. The damage has already been done, he asserted, because in various interviews he had to answer questions on whether tourists could come to Croatia where they were being threatened. If this continues, Croatia's national interests as a tourist country will be jeopardised, the premier pointed out. He reminded that as a law-based and democratic state, Croatia was obligated to ensure equality to all of its citizens, and that before the law and the Constitution all were equal. "It is an exam we take before ourselves, and then before Europe," Racan said, adding there was to yielding in that respect. Croatia must treat all of its citizens equally, with the exception of those who are guilty and need to account for their crimes in a court of law, he asserted. (hina) ha mm