CRO FOREIGN MINISTRY ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING IRAQI CRISIS

( Editorial: --> 2630 ) ZAGREB, Feb 17 (Hina) - The Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday issued a statement in relation to a possible international community military action in Iraq. "The Republic of Croatia is closely following the activities of the international community in relation to tensions in the Gulf and looks with great concern upon the renewed spreading of the crisis, which is a result of Iraq's preventing the work of the UNSCOM," the statement said. "It is the firm belief and commitment of the Croatian Government that disputes should be solved in peace, but also that all member- countries of the United Nations must comply with relevant decisions and resolutions of the UN Security Council. "In that regard, the Republic of Croatia continues to support diplomatic endeavours aimed at solving the crisis peacefully, in order to avoid the necessity of resorting to weaponry, which could have far-reaching consequences to world peace", the statement said. (hina) ha jn 172023 MET feb 98