ARMY CHIEF-OF-STAFF CALLS ON MILITARY TO PERFORM DUTIES RESPONSIBLY

ARMY CHIEF-OF-STAFF CALLS ON MILITARY TO PERFORM DUTIES RESPONSIBLY VINKOVCI, Oct 5 (Hina) - Croatian Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Petar Stipetic said in Vinkovci Thursday politics had no place in the military. "Our armed forces must remain a firm backing to the legal development of Croatia, and a guarantee for the functioning of the state in all segments," Stipetic said at the 8th anniversary of the establishment of the Fifth Guard Brigade. He added the Croatian President had completely justifiably reacted to the letter of 12 generals. Last Friday President Mesic sent into retirement five active Croatian Armed Forces generals after they made a public political statement contrary to the regulations of military service. The seven generals, together with five other retired and reserve generals, forwarded an open letter to the public and institutions accusing the authorities of the negative treatment of the Homeland War. "The reputation of the Homeland Defence War cannot be defended by setting barricades and writing pamphlets, but by honourable performing of the tasks put before us by the Croatian People. The armed forces must protect the territorial sovereignty, integrity, freedom and independence of Croatia," Stipetic said, calling on military personnel to professionally and responsibly perform their duties. "In the past several days we have been exposed to turbulent situations. The large number of unemployed the economic collapse, have brought the Croatian army into a situation of having to perform its duties in circumstances of limited financial resources," Stipetic said. (hina) lml