Z-4 PLAN ESSENTIALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO CROATIA, PREMIER SAYS

ZAGREB, Feb 1 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Nikica Valentic today received the newly-appointed chief of the European Union Monitor Mission (ECMM) in Zagreb, Ambassador Albert Turot. Valentic explained the reasons why Croatia decided to cancel UNPROFOR's mandate, noting it was a rational decision and not an emotional one. "Croatia is aware that nothing will happen if the UNPROFOR mandate is extended, and it is not prepared to accept a Cyprus- style solution," Valentic stressed. He said Croatia was willing to do everything to avoid war and continue seeking a peaceful settlement. Valentic specified three preconditions to a peaceful settlement: the mutual recognition of all former Yugoslav republics within their internationally recognized borders, which had been accepted by all parties except the Serbs; firm guarantees of minority rights with international supervision; and the economic reintegration of UN-protected areas. Speaking of the Z-4 plan, Valentic said that it was essentially unacceptable, but that Croatia was willing to negotiate to show its good will. He recalled that Knin Serb leaders had refused to even look at the plan. Valentic emphasized that a key to the resolution of the crisis was in Serbia. He added that Bosnian Serbs would also reject a peace plan unless Belgrade exerted pressure on them. Turot said Europe did not shut its eyes to problems in the former Yugoslavia. He evaluated the situation as very grave, and said that a recent proposal put forward by French Foreign Mininister Alain Juppe, on organizing a new conference on former Yugoslavia, was one of the ways in search of a solution. (hina) mm vm 011839 MET feb 95