HHO, ANTI-WAR CAMPAIGN SUPPORT EQUAL DURATION OF CIVIL, MILITARY SERVICE

ZAGREB, Dec 21 (Hina) - Representatives of the Anti-War Campaign (ARK) and the Croatian Helsinski Committee (HHO) told reporters on Thursday their drive for those doing civil instead of military service to do so over the same period of time and not longer had made a change, adding they hoped a new law on defence would regulate this issue. ARK member Gordan Bosanac believes the government's proposal that military service last six and civil nine months was not just. The association is also dissatisfied with the decision that civil service not be performed in non-governmental organisations. According to a defence bill the association has drawn up and presented to all parliamentary parties and competent state bodies, persons performing civil service and serving in the army would have the same rights. Expressing support for those efforts, HHO member Tatjana Burjacenko Grubisa said civil service in non-governmental organisations was common practice in foreign countries. As our country will draw closer to the European Union and euro-Atlantic associations, our citizens, too, will be able to perform civil service in non-governmental organisations and outside of Croatia, she said. ARK and HHO members reported cases of discrimination against those performing civil service, including unequal payment for the time spent in civil service and non-payment of transport costs. They also welcomed a new attitude of army and government structures, one of tolerance, toward those wishing to perform civil service. (hina) rml