CROATIA CONCERNED ABOUT ESCALATION OF IRAQI CRISIS

ZAGREB, Dec 17 (Hina) - The Republic of Croatia is concerned about the latest escalation of the crisis and further destabilising of the situation in the Gulf, the Croatian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. Croatia stresses the importance of full cooperation between Iraq and UNSCOM and honouring of all obligations Iraq has regarding annihilation of weapons for mass destruction and the removal of facilities for their production, which pose a permanent threat to the peace and security in that region. Croatia will keep supporting the efforts that have been made so far by the Security Council and UN Secretary General. Croatia hopes that a permanent solution to the problem will be found soon and that Iraq's compliance with obligations from the Security Council's resolutions will be ensured. Croatia deeply regrets the sudden withdrawal of UNSCOM inspectors after Iraq's renewed refusal to cooperate, which blocked the political process of peaceful solution of the crisis paved by the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. Croatia believes that the international community should double its concerted efforts to preempt the revival of the atmosphere of division and strife in international relations, especially when it comes to resolving the problem of destabilisation of global peace and security, the statement read. (hina) mm rml