ZAGREB, March 25 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House of Representatives supported the international community's efforts to force, by all necessary means, the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to accept the
proposed peaceful solution to the Kosovo problem. Foreign Minister Mate Granic informed MPs of the situation and measures the Croatian Government has been taking in connection with the NATO action. As regards the seriousness of the crisis, we believe, it is a fully justified decision of the NATO to halt the bloodshed by military force and prompt the full acceptance of the peaceful resolution of Kosovo. Croatia endorses such a decision and hopes that the taken operations of the international community would accomplish the desirable aim, Granic told the lower house. The minister added that over 40 military targets had been hit in the last night's operations a
ZAGREB, March 25 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House
of Representatives supported the international community's
efforts to force, by all necessary means, the Government of the
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to accept the proposed peaceful
solution to the Kosovo problem.
Foreign Minister Mate Granic informed MPs of the situation and
measures the Croatian Government has been taking in connection with
the NATO action.
As regards the seriousness of the crisis, we believe, it is
a fully justified decision of the NATO to halt the bloodshed by
military force and prompt the full acceptance of the peaceful
resolution of Kosovo. Croatia endorses such a decision and hopes
that the taken operations of the international community would
accomplish the desirable aim, Granic told the lower house.
The minister added that over 40 military targets had been hit in the
last night's operations against Yugoslavia.
He said his country expressed deep regret at Belgrade's failure to
accept the draft agreement in Paris. In this way, a precious chance
for the beginning of the real resolution of the crisis has been
missed, he added.
The crisis in Kosovo is impairing the stability in the south-east of
Europe and this part of the Continent, while the air space is partly
or completely closed over ten central and south-eastern European
countries, Granic informed the MPs.
Croatia has done everything to protect its interests in Yugoslavia
and advised its citizens not to travel to that country, Granic said
adding that Croatian Ambassador has been withdrawn from Belgrade
while the Embassy is carrying out reduced activities.
Borders are calm, there are less crossings than usually, and the
Government has undertaken additional measures to safeguard its
borders, he added.
The Foreign Minister warned about damage done to Croatia from the
closing of the air space to damage in tourism and economy.
It is clear that at this moment we must support the responsibility
of the international community for peace and stability in this part
of Europe. We asked the United States and NATO that the Zagreb
airport may be opened to a certain extent. We requested firm
guarantees of the United States in case that Yugoslavia should
retaliate against Croatia. Considering Croatia, we are ready to
protect at the maximum level our territorial integrity, Granic
stressed.
During a discussion parliamentarians endorsed Granic's report and
measures taken so far by the Croatian diplomacy.
(hina) ms