ZAGREB, Sept 20 (Hina) - The Croatian government on Thursday forwarded into parliamentary procedure a defence bill which, like others based on it, should be adopted by year's end so that a defence system reform could begin early in
2002. The changes the bill brings are considerable, including the definition of the government's powers, Defence Minister Jozo Rados said. The government takes part in the making of key defence-related decisions. The bill also democratically regulates relations between the three senior institutions of the state - the government, the president, and parliament - by balancing them, distributing powers, and stipulating decision-making in line with the law and on two levels, namely with the inclusion of at least two state institutions. The bill also defines relations on lower levels, and stipulates that the armed forces general staff remain within the defence ministry. Rados said the bill defines the posi
ZAGREB, Sept 20 (Hina) - The Croatian government on Thursday
forwarded into parliamentary procedure a defence bill which, like
others based on it, should be adopted by year's end so that a defence
system reform could begin early in 2002.
The changes the bill brings are considerable, including the
definition of the government's powers, Defence Minister Jozo Rados
said. The government takes part in the making of key defence-
related decisions.
The bill also democratically regulates relations between the three
senior institutions of the state - the government, the president,
and parliament - by balancing them, distributing powers, and
stipulating decision-making in line with the law and on two levels,
namely with the inclusion of at least two state institutions.
The bill also defines relations on lower levels, and stipulates
that the armed forces general staff remain within the defence
ministry.
Rados said the bill defines the position of the defence minister in
the chain of command. In peace time, the president of the republic,
who is also the supreme commander, commands the military through
the defence minister. In implementing commands, the military
chief-of-staff is accountable to the defence minister and the head
of state. In case of immediate danger or war, the president as
supreme commander directly gives orders to the chief-of-staff,
simultaneously notifying the defence minister.
Rados said this definition integrated the system as the government
was familiar with the orders.
This principle has been agreed on with the head of state, but some
compromises have been made in several specific military issues. The
military chief-of-staff and the president may be in direct contact
in some cases - plans for using the armed forces and military
aspects of the forces' combat readiness. In these instances, the
chief-of-staff is accountable to the president as well.
The defence bill also formulates the competence of parliament,
which would democratically supervise the military's work directly
and through competent bodies.
An interim provision binds the government to propose by the end of
2005 solutions aimed at abolishing obligatory military service and
introducing contractual serving.
(hina) ha sb