MILJAVAC:EXTENSION FOR SERBS EXEMPT FROM MILITARY SERVICE

ZAGREB, Aug 17 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac on Tuesday said that he was prepared to consider a possible extension for exemption of Serb nationals from the Croatian Danube from military service however, that he did not agree they should be permanently excused. Miljavac met in Zagreb with the head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia Bernard Poncet to whom he spoke about the issue of a possible extension to Serbs from the Danube region from being excused from military service in the Croatian armed forces. Croatia agreed that Serbs from the region would not be required for military service for a period of two years upon the expiry of the UNTAES on January 15, 1998. The Joint Council of Municipalities (with a majority Serb population), has requested that Poncet ask that this period be extended. "I have personally told Serb representatives that I was willing to meet with them and to consider any arguments they may have and to subsequently forward them to the Government for a decision", Miljavac said after the meeting with Poncet. "I am willing to discuss the issue, but I consider it the obligation of every citizen to serve the armed forces", he said. Miljavac said that this was a political decision which the Defence Ministry would implement if so decided. "I believe that obligations should be the same for everyone, however, in this region there is an interlinkage with the general atmosphere", Poncet said on behalf of the OSCE with regard to this problem. (hina) sp