ZAGREB, Jan 23 (Hina) - Defence Minister Jozo Rados is satisfied with the work of his ministry in 2000 and he believes the ministry's most important achievement is the reduction of its debt which in early 2000 amounted to one billion
kuna and this January amounted to only 69 million kuna. Settling debts is a positive contribution to the economy and the ministry has become a more stable partner to suppliers. The re-starting of a programme of production of the M-84 tank by the 'Djuro Djakovic' factory has helped save 360 jobs, Rados said commenting on the 2000 achievements and plans for the current year. The defence minister announced the introduction of new systems and weaponry, including the launching of the gunboat 'Dmitar Zvonimir' and an anti-mine boat, which had been lying unfinished at shipyards for years. Rados also mentioned the introduction of new US radar systems for sea and air control, which will be
ZAGREB, Jan 23 (Hina) - Defence Minister Jozo Rados is satisfied
with the work of his ministry in 2000 and he believes the ministry's
most important achievement is the reduction of its debt which in
early 2000 amounted to one billion kuna and this January amounted to
only 69 million kuna.
Settling debts is a positive contribution to the economy and the
ministry has become a more stable partner to suppliers. The re-
starting of a programme of production of the M-84 tank by the 'Djuro
Djakovic' factory has helped save 360 jobs, Rados said commenting
on the 2000 achievements and plans for the current year.
The defence minister announced the introduction of new systems and
weaponry, including the launching of the gunboat 'Dmitar Zvonimir'
and an anti-mine boat, which had been lying unfinished at shipyards
for years. Rados also mentioned the introduction of new US radar
systems for sea and air control, which will be used both by civil and
military structures. Further economising within the ministry
remains a priority, Rados said adding a system of long-term
planning and management and decentralisation of decision-making
would be drawn up for the first time.
Strategic elements regarding the country's defence until 2010 will
be adopted this year, Rados said, stressing the importance of bills
on defence and armed forces, military production and the
participation of Croatian troops in international peace missions.
MIG 21 jets will not be modernised this year although an agreement
in principle on this US$100-million-worth job has been reached with
Israeli companies, Rados said, adding other forms of cooperation
with Israel were possible.
(hina) rml