Under the decision, which was adopted with a two-thirds majority, the Croatian contingent serving with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) will be increased from the present 148 troops to 200 in 2007 and 300 in 2008.
Parliament also endorsed a report on the participation of Croatian personnel in the Afghanistan mission during the period from March 1 to October 31, which says that the Croatian soldiers performed their assigned duties responsibly and professionally.
The report says that thanks to the good grades received by its staff officers and non-commissioned officers Croatia has retained its positions in the ISAF Command and that the highly evaluated contribution of the Croatian contingent promotes the good reputation and international position of Croatia.
According to the report, the Croatian troops have no mandate or capacity to impose peace by force. Their task is to support peacekeeping efforts, provide training to the Afghan army and maintain contact with the local population. They may use force only in self-defence.
Parliament unanimously adopted conclusions proposed by the leading opposition Social Democratic Party, which committed the government to urgently reporting to Parliament any change in the mandate of the Croatian contingent in Afghanistan or any serious change in circumstances relating to their security.
Deputies also backed the SDP-sponsored proposal that the government should ensure better equipment for the troops in that peace mission.
Parliament further adopted a decision on the holding of joint military exercises of Croatian armed forces and those from other countries in 2007. There are plans for six military exercises to take place in Croatia next year and for Croatian troops to be sent to participate in six exercises abroad (Greece, Romania, Germany and Armenia, Italy, Moldova and Ukraine).
The decision on the participation of five Croatian liaison officers in the NATO operation "Active Endeavour" in Naples also received support.