Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Update on our Coalition of One series Croatia dumps US, Backs EU

A snip:
ZAGREB, Croatia (Reuters) - Croatia drew back Tuesday from previous indications it would send troops to Iraq and sign a deal with Washington exempting U.S. troops from prosecution by the International Criminal Court.
Speaking just before a visit to Washington, Foreign Minister Miomir Zuzul's comments represented a turnabout by the new government, which took office in December pledging to seek better ties with Washington.

The new stance was likely to disappoint President Bush's administration as it seeks to broaden a U.S.-led global anti-terror alliance. It follows Spain's decision after elections this month to pull its troops out of Iraq.

"In the current global relations, I do not think it would be good to consider (sending troops to Iraq) now. I think everyone is aware of that," Zuzul told Reuters.

He stressed Croatia remained firmly "part of the global anti-terror coalition," adding that he hoped Washington would understand the former Yugoslav republic's new stance.

Zuzul, a former Croatian ambassador in Washington, also said his country had no plans to sign an accord barring the handover of U.S. military or state officials to the International Criminal Court.

He said Zagreb had told Washington it had to take into account European Union views on the issue. The EU has advised countries against signing the agreement.

Meanwhile in Iraq...

The Media Continues to Only Carry BAD Stories

Iraq is, by all published accounts, growing more deadlier for Iraqis. What a terrible mistake. This must never be allowed to happen again. This month alone, at least 240 Iraqis have died in occupation related violence. How do you address that? I simply cannot.

Bush sleeps, but the killing never does.

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