05/25/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09904

CROATIA, U.S. AGAINST TERROR

The people of Croatia and the United States stand together in the war against terrorism.

Within days of the despicable September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Croatian president Stipe Mesic (PRON: STEEPAY MESSITCH) called for a worldwide alliance against terror. He said a new organization of nations should be founded, open to the countries defending civilization against terrorism.

The United States appreciates Croatia’s participation in the anti-terrorism coalition and commitment to the defense of peace, freedom, and security. The U.S. welcomes the Croatian government’s pledge to help ensure stability and security in the Balkans by strengthening Croatia’s border controls and normalizing relations with its neighbors.

Croatia itself has suffered at the hands of the terror network. In October 1995, a police station in the Croatian port city of Rijeka (PRON: REE-YEKA) was almost completely destroyed in a suicide bombing carried out by the Egyptian terrorist group Gama’a Islamiyya. In that attack, one person was killed and more than twenty others were injured.

Croatian authorities had previously arrested Talat Fuad Kassem (PRON: Tahlaht Fu-ahd Kahssem) , alias Abu Talat (PRON: Ahboo Talaht), a founder of Gama’a Islamiyya (PRON: Gahmah-ah Islahmeeyah). Abu Talat had been convicted of terrorism in Egypt in 1992. He was a brutal extremist who supported terrorist attacks on tourists visiting the country.

In the Balkan wars of the 1990s, Croatia developed a strong partnership on defense issues with the United States. The United States views Croatia as a firm friend and a reliable partner in guarding Europe from further terrorist attacks. The links between the two nations reflect the long history of Croatian immigration to America and the contributions Croatian-Americans have made to prosperity, social justice, and strong communities throughout the United States.

Croatia and the United States -- side by side, sharing the burden, working to defend civilization from terror.