KABUL: CROATIAN DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS ISAF COMMANDER

KABUL, April 8 (Hina) - On the second day of their visit to Croatian troops serving in Afghanistan, Croatian Defence Minister Berislav Roncevic and his associates met with the head of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Canadian General Rick Hillard, NATO's Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, Hikmet Cetin, and Afghan Defence Minister Qaseem Fahim Khan, who commended the Croatian police officers serving in the mission.#L# Cetin and Hillar praised after the meeting the performance and professionalism of Croatian military policemen and their cooperation with other ISAF troops. Cetin said that one of the priorities of the mission was the organisation of presidential and parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. Asked how long NATO forces would remain in Afghanistan, Cetin said their presence would be necessary until the situation in the country was stabilised. Minister Roncevic continues his visit to the Croatian contingent tomorrow and returns to Croatia on Sunday. (Hina) rml