ZAGREB, April 16 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac and US Ambassador to Croatia William Montgomery returned Friday to Zagreb from a visit to the US European main command in Stuttgart (USECOM). Miljavac held talks with
military officials about the newest crisis in the region and the role and position of Croatia in this situation. "The meeting was very constructive. We talked about the crisis happening in our neighbourhood, our views of the crisis, ongoing operations and issues of security, primarily Croatia's security in the region," Miljavac said. This is the first visit of a Croatian defence minister to USECOM and it had three goals: first, it was the intention to show how we appreciate Croatia's constructive role regarding the Kosovo crisis, to inform Croatia once again about the situation in Kosovo, and to exchange views about the crisis, Montgomery said. Asked whether Croatia was now closer to joining
ZAGREB, April 16 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac
and US Ambassador to Croatia William Montgomery returned Friday to
Zagreb from a visit to the US European main command in Stuttgart
(USECOM).
Miljavac held talks with military officials about the newest crisis
in the region and the role and position of Croatia in this
situation.
"The meeting was very constructive. We talked about the crisis
happening in our neighbourhood, our views of the crisis, ongoing
operations and issues of security, primarily Croatia's security in
the region," Miljavac said.
This is the first visit of a Croatian defence minister to USECOM and
it had three goals: first, it was the intention to show how we
appreciate Croatia's constructive role regarding the Kosovo
crisis, to inform Croatia once again about the situation in Kosovo,
and to exchange views about the crisis, Montgomery said.
Asked whether Croatia was now closer to joining the Partnership for
Peace programme, Montgomery reiterated a conclusion from a meeting
between US State Secretary Madeleine Albright and Croatian Foreign
Minister Mate Granic, that now was the time to intensify the
dialogue about the Partnership for Peace programme. He expressed
satisfaction that this could happen in the near future.
He stressed President Clinton's decision to enable Croatia to
purchase military equipment and technology only supported this
conclusion. Croatia has organised a modern and democratic army, he
added.
The visit was organised at the invitation of the assistant chief
commander of the command for Europe, Admiral Charles Abbot.
(hina) lml