US EXPECT CROATIA'S FULL ASSIATANCE IN ACHIEVING STABILITY AND PEA

PEA $ CE IN REGION - ZUZUL WASHINGTON, Nov 1 (Hina) - The three-day working visit of the Croatian Defense Ministry delegation to Washington conveyed that the United States were strategically oriented towards Croatia from which they expected full assistance in achieving permanent and stable peace in south-east Europe, Croatian Ambassador to the United States, Miomir Zuzul said on Friday. #L# Croatian Defense Minister who is heading the Croatian delegation Gojko Susak held talks with US deputy State Secretary Strobe Talbott, who stressed that the US supported Croatia's further integration into the West, including western defense structures, adding that the UN expected to work with Croatia in the realization of this goal, a statement from the US State Department said. The speed of this process depended on the ability of Croatia to promote values of democracy at home and to contribute to permanent peace in the region, the statement said. Talbott also stressed that the US expected guarantees that Croatia would cooperate as regards the extension of the UNTAES mandate for an additional six months, as had been recommended by the UN Secretary-General. The (UNTAES) mandate should be completed within the next six months and Croatia would take over control of the Croatian Danubian area, Zuzul said, adding that a monitoring mission would be established afterwards for another six months. The US and Croatia both agreed that the UN mandate should end in such a way to contribute to further stabilization of the area and that a clear solution to the issue was visible, Zuzul said. Talbott conveyed the United States' concern about the restriction of the freedom of the media in Croatia and stressed the need of Croatia's full cooperation with the International War Crimes Tribunal. The talks also focused on the need to accelerate the return of Serb and Croatian refugees to their homes in Croatia. (hina) lm 011627 MET nov 96