WASSHINGTON CALLS ON CROATIAN GOVT TO RESUME TALKS WITH OPPOSITION

ZAGREB, July 2 (Hina) - The United States on Friday called on the Croatian Government to "redouble it efforts" to reach consensus with the democratic opposition to ensure strict oversight and accountability of the police service and to resume dialogue with the opposition on new election and media legislation. "The United States is concerned by the continuing assertions of official political use of the security and police services against the broader society in the Republic of Croatia", said US State Department deputy spokesman James Foley. A statement by the US State Department was released on Friday by the US Embassy in Zagreb. Foley said that the "Croatian Government's failure thus far to address these concerns threatens to erode public confidence in its institutions and the democratic process". The statement goes on to warn against the "media campaign aimed against the Open Society Institute and similar non-government organisations to advance democracy and human rights in Europe. We urge the Government of Croatia to refrain from attacks on its critics and to focus instead on strengthening democracy and constructive dialogue", said James Foley. (hina) sp