VUKOVAR. Croatia. Feb 1: Russian hardliner Vladimir Zhirinovsky said yesterday nationalist conflicts and religious tension In the Balkans could lead to World War HI. reports. Reuter.

Visiting Serb strongholds in the former Yugoslav republics of Bosnia and Croatia, he blamed the West for fanning conflicts there with its double standards on democracy, human rights and national self-determination.

Just as the clash between communism and fascism ended with World War II. so attempts to provoke people into conflict through nationalism and religious divisions will lead Europe and the world to World War III.,-he told reporters.

If you take a historical parallel.we are now living in

1935. when Just four years remained until World War II.

The ultra-nationalist was speaking in the devastated town of Vukovar, seized by Serbs and the Yugoslav army In a ferocious battle.'

AFP adds: Zhirinovsky called Monday for the establishment of a Slav state from the port of Vladivostok on the sea of Japan to Knin on the Adriatic.

Speaking in Vukovar in the self-proclaimed Serb republic of Krajina, an area carved out of Croatia, the Russia legislator told a rally of several thousands that armed Russian volunteers and even military divisions would come to their aid if necessary.

"We have in common our orthodox faith, a language and a destiny. Together there are 300 million of us and nobody

should forget it." he told and enthusiastic, applauding crowd gathered in the wreckage of Vukovar.

"It's terrible sight.”. Zhirinovsky said after viewing the town, taken from Croats by Serb forces In November 1991 after an 86-day siege that left the towp in ruins and thousands dead.

Vukovar is "an heroic town, a symbol of the defence of the Slav world, a monument against the barbarians who destroyed it", he said.

Foreign observers say most of the damage of the town was in fact carried out by« Yugoslav bombing runs and artillery on the side of the Serbs, and several former Yugoslav military officers have been critical of Its destruction.

After viewing a military parade. the leaders of the Liberal

Democratic Party said: Russian volunteers armed with sophisticated weapons will come to help you if you ask. If necessary, Russian divisions will come".

Zhirinovsky, has no real influence on Russian foreign of military polisy. which are the prerogatives of President Boris Yeltsin under the new constitution.

In Zagreb, the exiled Croat mayor of Vukovar. Matej Jankovfc, protested to the Russian ambassador about Zhirinovsky's visits, saying Russia should distance itself from his activities and calling on UN troops to arrest the Russian MP. .

Several ■ thousand people many in uniform, waited to greet Zhirinovsky earlier Monday in Bijeljlna. northeast-.ern Bosnia. In the self-declared Bosnian Serb Republic.