US GENERAL RECEIVES CROATIAN CLOVER ORDER

ZAGREB, Oct 23 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac on Friday presented US Major General Richard Griffits with the Croatian Clover Order, expressing gratitude for his huge contribution in the establishment of the Croatian Army and its getting closer to western associations. Maj. Gen. Griffits, who is a representative of the US company Military Professional Resources Inc. (MPRI), for four years assisted in the establishment of the Croatian armed forces into a modern army. "Croatia's Supreme Commander has decided to grant you this decoration for your diligent fight for the realisation of the vision of the Croatian Army", said Miljavac. Maj. Gen. Griffits arrived in Croatia in 1994 and is today leaving for a new duty to Macedonia. He spent 33 years in active military service and is today a retired soldier working for the MPRI, which employs retired US officers. Griffits said he was proud of Croatia and would continue to follow its huge contribution to the balance and stability in the region. The MPRI is a professional service company, founded in 1987, based in Alexandria, Virginia. Its activities cover military issues, training, equipment, the establishment and command of military forces, their professional development, conception development and doctrine etc. Especially important are the company's programmes intended for military forces in countries in transition. (hina) rml