PRESIDENT MESIC RECEIVES UN HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR KOSOVO

ZAGREB, Oct 17 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Tuesday received a UN High representative to Kosovo, Bernard Kouchner, with whom he spoke about the situation in the region. We have exchanged views and experience on reconciliation in the region and better relations with ethnic minorities, Kouchner said. He added it had been interesting to hear how Croatia was cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The talks were exceptionally important because we heard from the Croatian President how Croatia solved the problem of war crimes, Kouchner said after the meeting. The two also tackled the issue of Kosovo, he added. Asked about Mesic's possible visit to Kosovo, Kouchner said the two also tackled this issue. However, it all depends on elections to be held in this Yugoslav province on October 28, Kouchner said, adding all preparations had been made to have democratic elections. He asserted he did not believe elections would lead to any conflicts, but caution was necessary. Asked about his participation at the summit in Zagreb next month, Kouchner said he had already been invited by France which was currently presiding the European Union. (hina) lml jn