MILITARY-CIVILIAN EXERCISE HELD NEAR KUTINA

KUTINA, Oct 26 (Hina) - A military-civil exercise entitled "Kutina 98" was held at Vidikovac u Gojlu overlooking Kutina, a town some 80km south-east of Zagreb. The exercise, which gathered representatives from 32 countries, was part of the international symposium on ecological terrorism which is being held in Zagreb and Dubrovnik between 27 and 30 October. Attending the exercise were military attaches from 15 countries. The guests observed a simulated attack on the Kutina mineral fertiliser factory, which came under attack several times during the Homeland war. The atmosphere of "real war danger" was created with the help of military planes, sirens and fake explosions. Croatian army units and the local special units, fire-fighters, and medical teams worked together in removing the consequences of the attack. Deputy Defence Minister and organisation committee president, Kresimir Cosic, said that the symposium bore witness to the interest of the international community in the battle against ecological warfare and prevention strategies. Croatia is therefore honoured to be able to host such an important meeting, because it confirms its experience acquired during the Homeland war, Cosic said. (hina) rml