DEFENCE MINISTRY: NO COMMENT ON POSSIBLE DELIVERY OF RUSSIAN JETS

ZAGREB, Dec 7 (Hina) - Croatia's Defence Ministry on Thursday declined to comment on press allegations that Russia might compensate its debt to Croatia by delivering military aircraft and helicopters. "We are still unable to comment on announcements that the Russian Federation might deliver to Croatia five MiG 21 BIS combat aircraft and a dozen helicopters" as a possibility of settling the clearing debt, said Brigadier Dusan Viro, head of the ministry's department for public relations and information. According to the Croatian press, the settling of the $250 million clearing debt was the topic of talks Foreign Minister Tonino Picula and Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic conducted during a recent visit to Moscow. Vecernji list daily alleged about 30 percent of the clearing debt would be settled via the delivery of aircraft and arms. Croatia would get MiG 21s, pilot-training two-seats, and Mi 8 transport helicopters. Senior officials at the main military headquarters and the Defence Ministry said earlier the aircraft were obsolete, voicing hope Croatia would acquire western aircraft as soon as possible. Viro confirmed the Defence Ministry had said earlier Russia might settle the clearing debt to Croatia with arms, among else. He declined to say further. (hina) ha jn