ZAGREB, Feb 6 (Hina) - NATO Secretary-General's assistant for political issues, Guenther Altenburg, said on Thursday the alliance was impressed by Croatia's committment in the reform of its military. He stressed NATO was prepared to
assist Croatia in the process of drawing closer to the organisation.
ZAGREB, Feb 6 (Hina) - NATO Secretary-General's assistant for
political issues, Guenther Altenburg, said on Thursday the
alliance was impressed by Croatia's committment in the reform of
its military. He stressed NATO was prepared to assist Croatia in the
process of drawing closer to the organisation. #L#
Altenburg said this in Zagreb after talks with Croatian Defence
Minister Zeljka Antunovic, with whom he met during his visit at
which he is leading a NATO verification team in the Croatian
capital. The meeting was also attended by the Croatian Armed Forces
Chief-of-Staff, Josip Lucic.
NATO is very impressed by the energetic policy implemented by the
Croatian government, especially the defence ministry, in achieving
two of Croatia's strategic goals -- entry into NATO and the EU. The
alliance is impressed by the government's committment and thorough
analysis of problems which need solving, said Altenberg.
He did say, however, that all this would not be easily achieved.
NATO is prepared to assist Croatia on its path towards the allaince
which recognises the efforts so far, and encourages Croatia to
continue with them, the official said.
Antunovic said she acquainted Altenburg with the ongoing reform
processes, as well as measures to be undertaken soon, and with
difficulties in implementing the reform.
"We received support and trust in what we are doing, as well as
promises that we will be given help whenever we ask for it," said
Antunovic.
(hina) lml sb