PRESIDENT MESIC RETURNS FROM NEW YORK

ZAGREB, Sept 10 (Hina) - The issue of the succession to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) and Croatia's entrance to markets outside Europe were some of important topics of the talks the Croatian delegation held during the UN Millennium Summit in New York, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic told reporters at the Zagreb airport upon his return from New York on Sunday.#L# Speaking of efforts aimed at the settlement of the issue of the succession to the ex-Yugoslavia and its status in the UN, President Mesic said the aim of the Croatian delegation, that paid a six-day visit to New York, was "to make UN institutes interested so that they can help in this field." "The former Yugoslavia had great assets which all of us created. In addition, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) cannot claim on the former Yugoslavia's membership in the UN, in front of whose headquarters a flag of the former state is still displayed. We ask that the flag should be taken down and that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, if it wants to become a UN member- country, undergo the entire procedure just as other countries- successors," Mesic said commenting in brief on his meeting with presidents of Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia in New York. Speaking of the bilateral talks he conducted with other heads of state during the Millennium Summit, Mesic asserted that he had held several meetings which could pave the path for Croatia towards markets in Europe and the world. "First of all, we must solve open issues with our neighbours and then we must accomplish our objectives in Europe - the membership in NATO and the European Union," Mesic said adding that Croatia also should turn to other markets and become attractive for foreign capital. I held talks not only with heads of state from Europe but also from Asia, Africa and South America. My interlocutors expressed their wish to co-operate with Croatia and to further our economic relations. We have good political ties with many countries but we are insufficiently present at many markets, Mesic explained. Asked to comment on the Croatian Government's suggestion that persons who are suspected of committing war crimes in the Bosnian village of Ahmici and who have recently been arrested in the Croatian coastal town of Zadar, should be tried in The Hague by the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Croatian President responded that he agreed with the proposal in principle. "They are neither our citizens nor was the crime committed in Croatia. Therefore it is logical that they be tried in Bosnia- Herzegovina or in The Hague. It is true that they have dual citizenship and that thus there are elements for their trial in Croatia as well. I reiterate, however, they did not commit the crime in Croatia and that's why there are more elements for their trial outside Croatia," Mesic expounded his stand. (hina) ms