MESIC, DEFENCE DELEGATION REVIEW REORGANISATION OF MILITARY

ZAGREB, Nov 15 (Hina) - Croatian President and Armed Forces Supreme Commander Stjepan Mesic on Saturday held a working meeting with a delegation of the Defence Ministry and the General Staff to review the results of the year-long reorganisation of the military, Mesic's office said in a statement. #L# The meeting addressed the functioning of the management and command system, the implementation of strategic documents and legislation in the field of defence, the reorganisation and downsizing of the military as well as its further development. Said aspects were considered as part of the intensification of Croatia's cooperation with NATO and its preparations to join the alliance. Participants in the meeting gave a positive assessment of the reorganisation of the military so far, noting progress in ridding the defence system of politics and making it transparent. Mesic emphasised the importance of developing an integrated and flexible management and command system. It was concluded that the reorganisation and downsizing of the military had to be completed over the course of next year, when priority should be given to the drafting of key long-term documents. The participants also concluded that the Armed Forces had to implement development, modernisation, equipping, and maintenance programmes, as well as develop the military education system. Also noted was the progress achieved to date in drawing closer to NATO. All competent bodies of authority have to take part in making Croatia fit for NATO membership, it was said. The Defence Ministry and General Staff delegation included, among others, Minister Zeljka Antunovic and Chief-Of-Staff General Josip Lucic. Present on President Mesic's side were his advisors on national security and defence and military issues, Imra Agotic and Petar Stipetic respectively, and the chief-of-staff of his military cabinet, Kresimir Kaspar. (hina) ha