CROATIA CONCERNED ABOUT VIOLENCE IN NEAR EAST

ZAGREB, Oct 17 (Hina) - Croatia is concerned about the Israeli- Palestinian conflict and calls on both sides to continue their dialogue with the aim of reaching a final peace agreement, the Croatian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. Croatia is concerned about the conflict, which has not only caused a large number of victims but threatens to jeopardise the already achieved results of the peace process and the security situation in the entire region, the statement reads. Croatia is confident that continuing the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue is a basis which has no alternative in reaching a final peace agreement by respecting and fulfilling the already agreed obligations. Putting an end to the violence is necessary for finding a final solution which will be acceptable to both sides, the Ministry said. Therefore, we express our friendly support for appeals by the international community that the sides refrain from violence and for efforts aimed at preventing the escalation of the conflict. We support the summit in Sharm El Sheik and hope that it will yield solutions acceptable to both sides and contribute to preserving the achievements and advancing the peace process, the statement said. (hina) jn rml