LOWER HOUSE: OPPOSITION AGAINST MILJAVAC'S APPOINTMENT

ZAGREB, Oct 22 (Hina) - Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) representatives at the Croatian Sabor's (parliament) Lower House will support the appointment of the new Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac, the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) will give its support in principle, while seven opposition parties will vote against Miljavac's appointment. The Croatian Social-Liberal Party (HSLS), the Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS), the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Liberal Party (LS), the Croatian Peoples' Party (HNS), and the Istrian Democratic Forum (IDF) have nothing against Miljavac personally, they respect his military experience, but oppose the idea of a military person being defence minister. The defence minister should be a civilian with experience in the establishment of democratic institutions, independent from the ruling party and from recent events in the Defence Ministry, opposition MPs said. To send into retirement an active general and suggest him as the new defence minister in only 24 hours is not serious, the opposition believes. The opposition also demanded that Premier Zlatko Matesa clearly state the reasons for former Defence Minister Andrija Hebrang's resignation, as well as a transparent reorganisation of the Defence Ministry. Opposition MPs expressed doubt that with its existing composition it would be difficult for the Defence Ministry to enter the Partnership for Peace programme, and to introduce transparency in its funds. Hebrang's resignation is logical if as Defence Minister he does not enjoy the trust of the President of the Republic and the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, said Vladimir Seks of the HDZ. The opposition objections do not hold water, because the reintegration of the Croatian Danube River region had only been completed on January 15 this year. Should Croatia have made known so soon how it had armed itself, Seks asked. Gen. Miljavac is no longer an active army officer, he has been sent into retirement and suggested for the post of Defence Minister, Seks added. The HDZ believes that Miljavac's appointment will complete the peacetime reorganisation of the Defence Ministry and the Croatian Army, which is in Croatia's state and national interest, he concluded. Anto Djapic of the HSP supported in principle Miljavac's appointment. Instead of asking him about transparency, de- politisation and civilian control, the new defence minister should be asked about next year's military budget and whether wartime generals who had been sent to academies would return or was that a way to subtly remove them, Djapic said. (hina) jn rml