ZUZUL: CROATIA WON'T TOLERATE ANTI-SEMITISM

( Editorial: --> 6788 ) WASHINGTON, May 27 (Hina) - In a letter to the leaders of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), Croatian Ambassador to the United States, Miomir Zuzul, confirmed that Croatia would not tolerate any manifestations of bigotry or anti-Semitism. "Without entering into the content of the exchange of letters in 'Vjesnik', I assure you that they in no way represent the views of the Croatian Government and people, or any institution in Croatia," Zuzul said in the letter. Zuzul's letter is a response to a letter he received from the AJC Director of European Affairs, Rabbi Andrew Baker and the Chairman of the International Relations Commission Nicholas Lane, regarding recent articles published in the Croatian daily 'Vjesnik', which Baker and Lane found anti-Semitic. "My Government attaches the highest importance to the preservation of the memory of the Holocaust, condemnation of anti-Semitism and all forms of racial and religious hatred. We are also fully committed to the development of strong and friendly ties with Jewish organisations throughout the world, and with the State of Israel." As proof of Croatia's commitment to opposing anti-Semitism, Zuzul further recounts speeches and statements made by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, Presidential Chief of Staff Hrvoje Sarinic and Foreign Minister Mate Granic. The Croatian government has recently taken a number of specific steps consistent with Croatia's strong anti-fascist legacy, including the initiation of a trial of the former Jasenovac concentration camp commander Dinko Sakic, Zuzul said, calling on the Jewish organisation to help in preparations for the trial. The Croatian Ambassador also expressed satisfaction with the establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and Israel and confirmed Croatia's commitment to building permanent, friendly ties with Israel in areas of military, economic and diplomatic cooperation. (hina) rml/dgr 271111 MET may 98