GRANIC POINTS OUT NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF NATO STRIKES FOR CRO

ZAGREB, April 12 (Hina) - Croatia is the most stable factor in the region, but Croatian economy, especially tourism, are already feeling the negative consequences of NATO strikes against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic said during Monday's talks with the chief of the European Community's monitoring mission, Ambassador Horst Holthoff. It is precisely because of this that Croatia is requesting stronger support of the international community and the European Union in maintaining regional stability. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement Granic received Holthoff on Monday and informed him about Croatia's views regarding the situation in the region, particularly the Kosovo crisis, and, in connection to this, talks he had held in the United States last week. Granic also stressed Croatia was not changing its policy with regards to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and strongly supported the Dayton peace accords. Holthoff expressed satisfaction with Croatia's role in maintaining stability in the region and stressed awareness about Croatia being an integral part of Europe was increasingly present in European and international bodies. (hina) lml