WAR VETERANS EXPECT MESIC TO RECONSIDER HIS DECISION

ZAGREB, Sept 29 (Hina) - The Association of Croatian Homeland Defence War Veterans (UHVDR) issued a statement Friday expressing shock with the retirement of seven Croatian Armed Forces generals, and concern for the stability of the political situation in the country. The Association stressed it expected the President of the Republic to reconsider his decision. The Croatian generals did not act on a party level, nor in opposition to Croatian national interests, rather, they expressed concern for the issue of the dignity of the Homeland Defence war, the statement reads. Croatian Homeland Defence War veterans, thus, expect President Stipe Mesic to reconsider his decision, they said in the statement. Considering the tensions in the neighbouring country (Yugoslavia), the Association holds the decision on the generals' retirement as hasty, and as an act which seriously diminished the combat readiness of the Croatian Armed Forces, the statement, signed by UHVDR president, General Djuro Decak, said. (hina) lml jn