PARLIAMENT BEGINS DISCUSSION ON DEFENCE BILL

ZAGREB, Oct 25 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament on Thursday began a discussion on a bill on defence which defines the authorities of the three highest institutions -- the President of the Republic, the parliament and the government -- in the defence sphere. Explaining the text, Defence Minister Jozo Rados said it offered a good balance in which all the three, the parliament, government and President, would control each other in any decision-making in the defence field. The bill, he added, would give authority to the parliament and government. It would still maintain a high degree of authority of the President, although this was now clearly defined as opposed to laws in effect. The new law would curb the parliament's influence on the appointment and dismissal of commanders of the Armed Forces General Staff which would be appointed by the President at the government's suggestion and after the competent parliament committee's endorsement. Apart from appointing General Staff commanders, the President as Commander-in-Chief, would also have the power to appoint and relieve officers of duty. The President would also give his endorsement to draft strategies and plans of defence, decide on the manpower and mobilisation development of the Armed Forces, as well as draw up a military strategy. The new law also defines the position of the defence minister in the chain of command. An important provision of the bill is that the President is required to give his opinion on the process of appointing the minister. (hina) lml sb