JUDGE QUESTIONS FORMER DEFENCE MINISTRY OFFICERS SUSPECTED OF ABUSE OF OFFICE

ZAGREB, Nov 7 (Hina) - A Zagreb County Court investigating judge on Tuesday questioned former employees with the Croatian Defence Ministry and the Croatian Army Main Staff, suspected of using Defence Ministry funds for the reconstruction of the cottage house of a former Zagreb City Assembly vice-president, who was also questioned. The County State Attorney's Office, which initiated the investigation into the case, charges generals Vladimir Zagorac and Matko Kakarigi and retired brigadier Juraj Vojkovic with abusing their offices and powers and enabling Antun Sporer, a City Assembly official, to obtain illegal gain worth more than one million kuna, which was spent for the reconstruction of Sporer's cottage house in 1997. During the war, the house was used as the headquarters of the Croatian Army's 12th Brigade. At the time, Zagorac was an assistant defence minister in charge of equipment and supply, Kakarigi was the head of the Defence Ministry's housing administration, whereas Vojkovic was in charge of the reconstruction of facilities damaged by the Croatian Army. General Zagorac's attorney Branko Seric said Zagorac dismissed the charges and explained that Sporer's cottage house had been completely devastated after the departure of the army. Seric claims the reconstruction of the house had been in line with the regulations and usual practice of the Defence Ministry. Upon the completion of the questioning, Kakarigi said the proceedings against him were unfounded, adding he would prove that he had performed his duties in a conscientious manner. (hina) jn rml