PARTIES WARN ABOUT NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF ARMY EXERCISES ON TOURISM

ZAGREB, May 14 (Hina) - Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) and Croatian Party of Rights/Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HSP/HKDU) benches warned at a parliament session on Wednesday the announced joint exercises of Croatian and US armies along the central Dalmatian coast could seriously affect the country's tourism. #L# Discussing a government decision on the organisation of a number of military exercises of Croatian and US armies in Dalmatia between June 15 and September 15, the benches warned about the possible negative effects the exercises could have on the pre- and high season. "Tourism and army, even if it is the US army, don't go together. We must take care about the tourist season and not turn Croatia into an army range," Damir Kajin of the IDS said. Zelimir Janjic of the HSLS said Croatia lacked regulations on damage military exercises might cause to the environment, tourism and civilian life in general. He said Croatia did not have a "price list" based on which it could seek damages from the USA in case of damage. Deputy Defence Minister Zlatko Gareljic said that by their scope and intensity, the nine planned exercises would certainly not obstruct civilian life and the tourist season. "Army and tourism can go together if exercises are prepared carefully and do not hamper tourist activity. This is not about auctioning and making concessions, but about a clearly defined partnership," he said. The MPs today wrapped up a discussion on a draft decision on the participation of Croatian military observers in U.N. peace missions in India and Pakistan. Gareljic said five Croatian troops would participate in the missions. (hina) rml