Croatia Backs Off Iraq Troops, International Court

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040323/wl_nm/croatia_us_dc&cid=574&ncid=1480

ZAGREB, Croatia (Reuters) - Croatia drew back Tuesday from previous indications it would send troops to Iraq (news - web sites) 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 (news - web sites)'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.

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[EdGy]

1. standing up to the bullies!

This is excellent news!

And it's important. Croatia was one of the countries that was faced with outright US bullying to get it into line during the war.

Apparently the US embassy in Zagreb threatened the Croatian government with a cutoff of aid and a withdrawal of support for Croatian membership in NATO if they did not support the war in Iraq, prevent anti-war demonstrations, and give the US immunity from the ICC. The US did the same to Bosnia.

I don't particularly care for the current Croatian government and ruling party, but I must hand it to them for standing up to the Bush regime on this.

[David__77]

2. Better ties with US, worse with the world...

It's becoming either/or for much of the world. Either have better relations with US, or better with the rest of the world. The "allies" of the Bush administration internationally are on weak ground indeed.