DEFENCE MINISTRY HOLDS CHRISTMAS RECEPTION

ZAGREB, Dec 20 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Jozo Rados and Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Petar Stipetic on Wednesday prepared a Christmas reception for top army and ministry officials. I am proud of the fact the Croatian army has preserved its dignity and remained strong in these turbulent political happenings in our country, General Stipetic said. We have maintained unity and strength of the armed forces, as well as the achieved degree of combat readiness which guarantees the protection of national security, he stressed. Moreover, he added, we have achieved full cooperation with international organisations and associations, and Croatia has become a member of the Partnership for Peace. The message for next year would be to remain on the path we have drawn, to continue to maintain good personnel relations in the military, be firm and unified, and implement the transformation of the army into a small armed force which will be able to guarantee security and freedom to the Croatian people, Stipetic said. I believe we are prepared for the new millennium and that the personnel, who gained victory in the Homeland Defence War and had given an enormous contribution to the creation of the Croatian state, are prepared to assume obligations ahead of us, he concluded. Defence Minister Jozo Rados said a small and adjustable defence system was being created, which will be a pride to the country and its foreign affairs. This year has been one of transformation of the Croatian Armed Forces to the peace-time system of a democratic country, despite decreased funds, he stressed. (hina) lml