REQUEST FOR DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE AGAINST KOTROMANOVIC NOT FILED

ZAGREB, Aug 7 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Defence Minister Zlatko Gareljic said today there was still no official request for disciplinary action against Croatian Army Staff Brigadier Ante Kotromanovic for his speech during the Sinjska Alka tournament last weekend. "This is an open issue which will be decided on depending on initiatives arriving from the Defence Ministry or the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces," Gareljic said. Unofficial sources, however, have said oral requests have been made for action against Kotromanovic for his participation in rallies supporting General Mirko Norac, currently in detention pending proceedings for war crimes he allegedly committed during the Homeland Defence War. During the final day of the tournament on Sunday, spectators and participants of the Sinjska Alka booed President Stipe Mesic and referred to him in derogatory terms. The victor of the tournament refused to accept the President's gifts - a gold ring and sabre - although the winners traditionally receive the presents at the end of the three-day tournament which dates back to the 18th century and which is held under the auspices of the President of the Republic. (hina) lml