SLOCOMBE: U.S. TURNING NEW PAGE IN MILITARY COOPERATION WITH CRO

ZAGREB, March 20 (Hina) - United States Deputy Defence Secretary Walter Slocombe on Monday said his visit to Zagreb symbolised the wish of the U.S. to turn a new page in military relations and co- operation with Croatia. Slocombe was received in Zagreb by Imra Agotic, the Croatian president's adviser on defence and military issues. "Mr Slocombe has assured us that we have the support of the United States in the process of realisation of Croatia's new policy, and that there is a possibility to considerably expand co-operation in the area of defence activities in all domains," said Agotic. Talks on further expanding defence co-operation will be held at the Defence Ministry, said Slocombe, who described the talks with Agotic as very good. He said the talks also tackled Croatia's interest in joining NATO's Partnership for Peace programme, new relations in the region, and Croatia's new policy in connection with the implementation of the Dayton peace agreements in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Slocombe, on a two-day visit to Croatia, will today hold talks with Defence Minister Jozo Rados, and be received by Deputy Premier Goran Granic. (hina) ha jn