CRO DEFENCE MINISTER RECEIVES CLINTON'S ADVISER ON KOSOVO

ZAGREB, July 8 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac on Thursday received Ambassador James Dobbins, the United States President's special adviser on Kosovo and the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH). According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, Miljavac acquainted Dobbins with Croatia's views on the security and political situation in the region, and pointed to Croatia's commitment to lasting and just peace. Ambassador Dobbins was also informed about the reorganisation of Croatia's Armed Force, and its further democratisation and modernisation aimed at stepping up access to Euro-Atlantic defence alliances. Dobbins thanked the Croatian authorities, and the defence ministry in particular, for the constructive role in the denouement of the Kosovo crisis, and reiterated the resoluteness of the U.S. to prevent the policy of aggression and ethnic cleansing in the region. He added the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe offered conditions necessary for lasting peace and economic prosperity. Dobbins also expressed satisfaction with Croatia's willingness to participate in a consistent implementation of the Dayton peace agreement, and to assist Bosnia's Croat-Muslim federation. (hina) ha