DEFENCE MINISTER, ARMY CHIEF-OF-STAFF EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR NAVY DAY

ZAGREB, Sept 17 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Jozo Rados and Armed Forces' Chief-of-Staff General Petar Stipetic on Saturday extended their best wishes to all members of the Croatian Navy (HRM) on the occasion of Navy Day, which is marked on September 18. Rados reminded that on September 18 Croatia commemorates all struggles and victories for the freedom of the Croatian sea and homeland and pays tribute to those who had given their lives for a free and independent Croatia. "Of you, who today belong to the Navy and take care of the defence and safety of our sea, coast and islands, I expect the same level of care in the future," Rados said. General Stipetic commended the navy for their results in education and training and the strengthening of combat readiness. He especially welcomed the Navy's contribution to the safety and protection of the Adriatic Sea and its efficiency in battling this summer's fires along the coast. This year was marked by major events which will considerably affect your further work. Democratic changes and admission to Partnership for Peace have brought about a new attitude toward national security and military strategy, which will result in the new organisation and reduction of the armed forces and their further training for new tasks within the international system of peace- keeping and the protection of stability and security on the Adriatic, Mediterranean and our rivers, Stipetic said. (hina) rml