CROATIA, USA SIGN AGREEMENT ON MILITARY COOPERATION

ZAGREB, Feb 4 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Zeljka Antunovic and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Mira Ricardel on Tuesday held talks and signed an agreement on cooperation in preventing the spreading of weapons of mass destruction and promoting defence and military relations. #L# The agreement enables Croatia to participate in the international fight against terrorism and the spreading of weapons of mass destruction, and gives the United States and the international community another partner in that field, Antunovic said after the signing ceremony at the defence ministry. "Once again we have defined priorities and forms of cooperation," Antunovic said, adding that the signing of the agreement was an important step forward in the US-Croatian partnership and Croatia's efforts to draw closer to NATO. The US official said the agreement would expand and deepen the cooperation and partnership between the US and Croatia and contribute to joint efforts in the global fight against terrorism. The talks were also important for the United States so that it could direct its assistance to Croatia to the implementation of reforms. The reform and reorganisation of the armed forces are crucial in efforts Croatia has been making as a serious candidate to join NATO and the Croatian leadership has demonstrated great determination in implementing those tasks, Ricardel said. The agreement on cooperation in preventing the spreading of mass destruction weapons and promoting defence and military relations should be confirmed by the Croatian parliament and US Congress, after which it will go into force, Antunovic said. Asked whether the United States would help the implementation of the agreement, Ricardel said that depended on Congress's decision, but that the US would provide expert and other assistance to Croatia, which had not existed before the signing of the agreement. (hina) rml sb