TOMAC TO ATTEND CROAT NATIONAL CONVENTION IN MOSTAR

ZAGREB, March 3 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan expressed confidence on behalf of the ruling six-party coalition that the Croat National Assembly taking place in Mostar Saturday would not contribute to an escalation of conflicts, but rather on opening space for dialogue. On behalf of the Croatian government nobody will be attending the assembly, but Zdravko Tomac will be going to the convention on behalf of six parties of the ruling coalition. Racan relayed the coalition's concern with the most recent events in Bosnia-Herzegovina, particularly with the danger of a new, continuing escalation of conflicts which, he said, are threatening to aggravate the position of the Croat people in Bosnia- Herzegovina. Racan said the six parties were aware of the many open issues in the neighbouring country and the discontent of the people with the fact. Because of this, he said, "instead of an escalation of conflicts, we should insist on a dialogue offensive, to have the existing problems solved more efficiently, with the aim of strengthening Bosnia-Herzegovina as a state in which all citizens and peoples will be equal in every part of the country". This is why extremist expectations and announcements for tomorrow's meeting in Mostar are concerning. Racan warned that an escalation of conflicts could be hazardous to Croat national interests, as well as a return to politics and solutions which have brought no good to the Croat people in Bosnia- Herzegovina. "Returning to the position of conflicts and isolation is what cannot be allowed," Racan stressed. He expressed conviction that those speaking on behalf of the Croat people, at the same time harming its long-term interests, will not be those who will determine the fate of the people. Asked who is contributing to the tense situation in Bosnia- Herzegovina, Racan said he would not address warnings to only one side. Responsibility lies on several sides, but as we are facing the meeting in Mostar, "I cannot help directly speaking about the responsibility of this convention to contribute to a non- escalation of conflicts". Replying to several reporters' questions, Racan stressed Croatia will not give up from its proclaimed policy of not meddling into relations in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Croatia is interested for its neighbour to be a stable and democratic state. We are also interested in national equality in Bosnia-Herzegovina, without which there can be no stability for any country. It is thus logical that we want to help, but not arbitrate, he stressed. Racan said Zagreb will no longer decide on Mostar's policy, but Mostar will also not decide on Croatia's policy. President of the HDZ BiH (Croat Democratic Union of Bosnia- Herzegovina) Ante Jelavic two days ago announced the Croat National Assembly would make decisions on the protection of Croat interests in the country, and the media have been speculating about the establishment of parallel institutions of the Croat people in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The office of the international community's high representative to the country has announced Jelavic's dismissal from the state Presidency and HDZ's dissolution should this happen. (hina) lml sb