CROATIAN AIR FORCE MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

ZEMUNIK, July 5 (Hian) - At a ceremony of the marking of the 10th anniversary of the Croatian Air Force (HRZ) and the promotion of the fifth generation of Croatian military pilots in the Zemunik air force base near the southern Croatian town of Zadar, Croatian President Stipe Mesic decorated the HRZ members. "Not very many countries have the organised and systematic education of military pilots in difficult war conditions. Croatia has succeeded, Mesic said at the marking of the HRZ 10th anniversary, adding this was a condition for approaching European and world's security integrations and participating in the international missions. Mesic also announced the up-dating of the HRZ equipment, adding this would satisfy the need of the training which would soon reach world's standards. The present were also addressed by Croatian Defence Minister Jozo Rados who offered best wishes on the occasion of the HRZ 10th anniversary, and announced the modernisation of air and other armed forces. Croatia's Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff, General Petar Stipetic said the Croatian Air Force participated in all famous operations conducted by the Croatian Armed Forces. Stipetic also stressed that one of the Croatian Armed Forces goals was to update the HRZ's technology. HRZ commander Josip Stimac remembered the HRZ members who gave their lives for the Homeland during the war. (hina) it sb