EUROPEAN UNION REGRETS RECENT TUDJMAN SPEECH

ZAGREB, Dec 18 (Hina) - The European Union regrets the part of a speech Croatian President Franjo Tudjman made at the opening of a war college in Zagreb on December 14, said a statement EU presiding country Austria issued on Friday. "At that time, he (Tudjman) clearly stated that Croatia's readiness to use force against NATO troops in the disputed border area of Martin Brod forced SFOR (the NATO-led peace Stabilisation Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina) to change its plans. Threats against peacekeeping forces are unacceptable under any circumstances. This is particularly unfortunate given the commendable record of cooperation SFOR enjoyed with Croatia." The EU statement was delievered to Hina by the Austrian Embassy in Zagreb. The statement also said that Tudjman's misrepresentation of the activities of The Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia seriously brought into question Croatia's commitment to comply with its obligations and responsibilities to the Dayton peace agreement and international law. "The EU Presidency views with grave concern and regrets President Tudjman's vision of the role of the International Community, and that of humanitarian organisations and the independent media in Croatia. We believe nevertheless that Croatia will continue to develop into a society based on the rule of law and the principles enshrined in its own constitution and in her international commitments," the statement concluded. (hina) ha mm