DAY OF DEFENCE FORCES BEING MARKED IN CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 6984 ) ZAGREB, May 27 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Andrija Hebrang and Croatian Army Chief-of-Staff Lt Gen Pavao Miljavac on Wednesday congratulated all members of the armed forces on the Day of Defence Forces of the Republic of Croatia, which will be marked tomorrow, May 28. Hebrang thanked all those who "loyally and honourably served in the interests of their people and state, and especially those who gave their lives for the foundations of our one and only and everlasting Croatia". "Now, after all historical achievements and successes, standing before us is the task of creating a defence power with which the Croatian state will step into the new millennium," said Hebrang. On the occasion of the Day of the Defence Forces, Croatian President and supreme commander of the Defence Forces Franjo Tudjman reached a decision to promote generals, admirals and senior officers of the Croatian Defence Forces. On the suggestion of the Defence Minister, Tudjman decided to give honorary ranks to the killed, missing and wounded members of the Defence Forces. Hebrang and Science and Technology Minister Ivica Kostovic today presented annual awards for scientific and research contributions to the development and strengthening of Croatia's defence system. On the Day of the Defence Forces and Statehood Day (May 30), commander of the Croatian Military College Lt Gen Josip Lucic opened the exhibition "Insignia of the Units of the Croatian Defence Forces" and "National Motifs on Croatian Postal Stamps". Following the opening of the exhibitions, employees of the College were presented with commendations and awards at an official ceremony. (hina) jn bag/ha 272026 MET may 98