ZAGREB, Dec 14 (Hina) - Croatia's President Stjepan Mesic and Premier Ivica Racan on Thursday asserted that there were no strategic differences in their opinions on investigations into and the processing of war crimes committed in
Croatia. We prefer cooperation rather than conflict as the method for removing obstacles in the cooperation with the Hague-based Tribunal, which should proceed in compliance with the obligations we have assumed, Mesic and Racan told a news conference they held together on Thursday after their two-hour talks in the Government's building in Zagreb.
ZAGREB, Dec 14 (Hina) - Croatia's President Stjepan Mesic and
Premier Ivica Racan on Thursday asserted that there were no
strategic differences in their opinions on investigations into and
the processing of war crimes committed in Croatia.
We prefer cooperation rather than conflict as the method for
removing obstacles in the cooperation with the Hague-based
Tribunal, which should proceed in compliance with the obligations
we have assumed, Mesic and Racan told a news conference they held
together on Thursday after their two-hour talks in the Government's
building in Zagreb.#L#
At the beginning of the press conference PM Racan said various
assessments and speculations were erased from the agenda by today's
statements and denial of some media's incorrect quotation of what
the President of the Republic had said.
Responding to a question about the International Criminal Tribunal
for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) summons to General Petar Stipetic, PM
Racan said "the summons must include an additional explanation on
the circumstances and objectives of that interview."
"When we receive the explanation, I am sure, if it is acceptable to
us, there will be no reason for the Government not to work together
with the Hague Tribunal and for Gen. Stipetic not to be questioned,"
Racan added.
President Mesic stressed this was no indictment but the matter was
that Gen. Stipetic (the incumbent Croatian Armed Forces chief of
staff) should give an interview to the Tribunal's investigators in
Zagreb rather than in The Hague.
"We ask for an explanation, and all what interests Hague Tribunal
investigators is up to Gen. Stipetic," Mesic added.
In this context Mesic dismissed speculations that the interview
would be conducted in a few coming days or weeks. "Gen. Stipetic
will decide on it and the interview will be held next year," he told
reporters.
Premier Racan announced that for the purpose of the furtherance of
the cooperation, his Cabinet would hold talks with competent
persons at the Tribunal and Zagreb would invite the Tribunal's
Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte.
"We would like to settle misunderstandings through dialogue and on
the foundations of the stands which the Government has recently
adopted and which should enhance the cooperation between Croatia
and the Hague Tribunal," Racan added.
He stressed that the Government's stands were in compliance with
provisions of the Constitutional Law on Cooperation with the ICTY.
"I do not think that the Government's stands are contrary to the
principles of the constitutional law," he said.
Asked how the Government was going to react once indictments
arrived from The Hague, Racan replied there was no point in speaking
hypothetically.
"We in the Government have received no information on lists with
names of indictees. When we get them and see why possible indictees
are charged, we shall take a stand," Racan told the conference.
He reiterated that his country would like to investigate and
process war crimes perpetrators, either on its own or in
cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.
President Mesic also said Croatia was open and wanted to work
together with the ICTY within a framework defined by the relevant
constitutional act.
"We are interested in seeing Yugoslavia cooperate with The Hague as
well, as most crimes were committed in Croatia and Bosnia-
Herzegovina, while it is known that flower-decorated tanks arrived
there from Belgrade," Mesic concluded.
(hina) ms