CZECH REPUBLIC SUPPORTS CRO MEMBERSHIP IN 'PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE'

ZAGREB, July 13 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac on Tuesday told reporters in Zagreb the Czech Republic supports the membership of Croatia and other countries in the region in NATO's Partnership for Peace programme and other security associations. That membership should ensure long-term stability in the region, Miljavac said after talks with Czech Defence Minister Vladimir Vetchy. "I would especially like to point out the stance of the Czech government, which (Vetchy) conveyed, that the membership of Croatia and the other countries in Partnership for Peace and other security associations would be welcome and would stabilise this region in the long run," Minister Miljavac said. Vetchy told reporters he acquainted his Croatian counterpart with the process the Czech Republic's had gone through to access NATO and the tasks awaiting it as a member. "The Czech Republic is in NATO and its experience is precious," said Croatia's Miljavac. Both ministers said they were interested in long-term technical cooperation between the Czech and Croatian defence ministries. "We have decided to establish expert teams, whose task would be to agree on long-term cooperation," Miljavac said. Vetchy confirmed he and Miljavac agreed on cooperation in training soldiers and officers, armament, and in other fields. "Expert teams could meet already in September," he said. The Czech defence minister added today's talks also touched on peace operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. The military parts of the peace agreements are being implemented better than the civil ones, he said. Miljavac expressed Croatia's willingness to "offer possible assistance and support to Czech units taking part in those peace operations." (hina) ha jn