ZAGREB, Nov 26 (Hina)- The Croatian President and Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, Stjepan Mesic, on Tuesday spoke with representatives of the Defence Ministry and the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff about their
reorganisation.
ZAGREB, Nov 26 (Hina)- The Croatian President and Supreme Commander
of the Croatian Armed Forces, Stjepan Mesic, on Tuesday spoke with
representatives of the Defence Ministry and the Croatian Armed
Forces General Staff about their reorganisation. #L#
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Zeljka Antunovic told
reporters that the meeting was of an informative nature at which
members of the General Staff, commanders of military districts and
herself, personally informed the president of the reorganisation
and existing problems in the Armed Forces and the Defence
Ministry.
She stressed that the reorganisation process had already commenced
in land forces, the navy and air forces through reducing the number
of personnel and other concrete activities.
Speaking about a possible retirement of some generals, Minister
Antunovic emphasised that this was a legal matter which should be
resolved as soon as possible. "Not everyone can remain active in the
army forever which does not mean that these people cannot be
advisors or that they are no longer necessary in the army," she
said.
"Considering my duty and the commencement of my mandate, I am the
last person to advocate the dismissal of the chief-of-staff,
however, it is my duty to implement the law," Antunovic said,
stressing that she was cooperating quite well with General Petar
Stipetic (who, under the law, should be retired due to his age .
Antunovic continued that she respected him as a person, soldier and
associate.
(hina) sp it sb