DEFENCE MINISTRY DISMISSES CLAIMS BY 'HOMELAND WAR DIGNITY PROTECTION CENTRE'

ZAGREB, May 18 (Hina) - The Croatian Defence Ministry refused the authenticity of a document presented today by the "Centre for the Protection of the Croatian Homeland Defence War Dignity" proclaiming the paper to be a copy of orders by the Defence Ministry to the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) to observe non- sympathising civilians in Split. The Centre distributed the paper to reporters today. The paper contains a Defence Ministry seal and was allegedly intended for the Split SIS department. The Defence Ministry's public relations department reports the fake document has been produced "with the intent to cause anxiety and raise doubt in the legality of the existence of a member of the intelligence community, the Security and Intelligence Service, especially in mentioned social groups (civilians, reporters, politicians, priests, Croatian Military Invalids of the Homeland Defence War Association, the Centre for the Protection of the Croatian Homeland Defence War Dignity)". The Defence Ministry and relevant services, in cooperation with the police, will initiate an investigation into the author of the text which has caused harm to the reputation of the Ministry of Defence. (hina) lml sb