GOVT. GENDER EQUALITY COMMISSION TO JOIN IN SEX. HARASSMENT PROBE

ZAGREB, Feb 28 (Hina) - A representative of the government's Gender Equality Commission has been appointed to a Defence Ministry commission of inquiry which should investigate the facts in a case of possible sexual harassment in a Bjelovar barracks, Deputy Prime Minister Zeljka Antunovic said in a statement on Thursday. The government commission has always advocated systematically dealing which such incidents and all issues pertaining to the advancement of the position of women in society at all levels, the statement added. The Gender Equality Commission, which Antunovic presides, reminds the national policy for the promotion of gender equality includes an area called "Women and Armed Conflicts." Based on the national policy, and in cooperation with competent Defence Ministry bodies, the government commission has launched an investigation into the representation of women in the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces. A report will be compiled by June to serve as the basis for the drafting of an implementation plan for achieving gender equality and eliminating discrimination, ensuring a gradual increase of the number of female military staff and officers at all levels, especially governing offices at the Defence Ministry, the statement read. (hina) ha sb