ZAGREB, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Croatian President Zoran Milanovic on Monday warned that any unilateral use of force in violation of international law is dangerous, as it threatens both present and future peace and global security.
In a statement on the situation in Iran and the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Milanovic said military interventions without United Nations authorization, such as the one being witnessed in Iran, do not help resolve crises, but provoke a further escalation of the conflict and long-term instability.
He said the clear intent of the military intervention is to change the Iranian government, which could bring painful and long-lasting consequences for European citizens, including Croatians.
He pointed out that experiences with such interventions in the Middle East and the Mediterranean have demonstrated their repercussions, which Europe continues to endure today.
There are justifiable concerns regarding economic losses triggered by rising prices of oil and petroleum products, a potential new wave of refugees entering European countries, as well as the risk of terrorist threats, he said.
According to the statement, to ensure the safety of Croatian soldiers serving on missions in the Middle East, Milanovic has decided to withdraw seven Croatian soldiers from Iraq and one from Lebanon. He has ordered the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces to commence the evacuation operation immediately. ■