GRANIC'S INTERVIEW WITH JERUSALEM POST

( Editorial: --> 3674 ) JERUSALEM, May 13 (Hina) - Croatia is ready for all aspects of cooperation with Israel, said Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic in an interview with the Israeli paper Jerusalem Post. Croatia's privatisation program has enabled cooperation with Israel, Granic said adding that cooperation is possible in all fields - from investment, tourism and defence to culture and sport. Granic also spoke about the basic points of talks which he had with Israeli officials and highlighted similarities which exist between Israel and Croatia, especially in maintaining security on borders with neighbouring countries. Granic also talked about relations between Croatia and the United States, the situation in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the return of refugees and displaced persons and implementation of the Dayton peace agreement. He especially emphasised Croatia's readiness to try Dinko Sakic. "Croatia will organise a public and transparent trial in line with the highest European standards," said Granic acknowledging that Sakic's trial could evoke controversy in Croatia. (hina) mrb/rm 132002 MET may 98