STATEMENT BY FOREIGN MINISTER GRANIC

ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - It is necessary that all countries of the former Yugoslavia officially recognize each other within its internationally recognized borders and afterwards to start finding solutions to a number of open problems beginning with the issue on succession to the issue on minorities in order to really initiate the peace process on the territory of the former Yugoslavia, said Croatian Foreign and Deputy Prime Minister Mate Granic at a session of the Croatian Parliament's House of Representatives held on Thursday. Minister Granic stressed that President Tudjman's Peace Initiative renders very concrete answers, i.e. possible and real way out from the current situation. "We clearly and resolutely condemned the crime committed in Stupni Dol and before in Akmici, but we expect the other side to clearly condemn about 20 similar crimes committed by Muslim extremists in Gusti Grab near Zenica at the end of January, in Busovaca in the beginning of summer, in Uzdol, Grabovica, Rastovci, Bugojno and Viniste," said Mr Granic. The Minister said that in spite of a number of crimes, the Croatian side is ready to believe that the Muslim offensive can be stopped, that the Muslim side still agree on the arbitration and that Sarajevo will positively respond to President Tudjman's Peace Initiative, as well as to the newest French-German mediation. The final attitude on the proposal made by Ministers Kinkel and Juppe cannot be taken yet, as all details are still unknown. When Croatia receives the proposal, it will be discussed, said Minister Granic. "Reintegration of UNPA's into Croatia's legal system remains our main task," stressed Granic adding that President Tudjman in his Peace Initiative also put that task on the first and most important place. Minister Granic added that Croatia is willing to help in providing UNPA's with supplies this winter, as well as to help the reconstruction and normalization of the system of education, health services and retirement insurance there. "I think that there is no doubt that the Republic of Croatia is ready to do everything what is objectively possible in order to normalize everyday life in UNPA's as soon as possible, if the local Serb authorities accept proposed measures, especially unconditional ceasefire without delay," said Minister Granic. Talking about Croatia as a peaceful country, Minister Granic said that Croatia is interested in the reconstruction and establishment of permanent stability in this area. "We pay special attention to the relations with neighbouring Slovenia," the Minister further said. Minister Granic emphasized that Croatia's political and diplomatic efforts are also directed at joining in some European or regional initiatives and forms of co-operation. 111404 MET nov 93