SPECIAL POLICE UNIT FROM SIBENIK MARKS EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY

SIBENIK, Nov 17 (Hina) - In the state budget for 1999 the Croatian Government earmarked less funds for the Interior Ministry than before. Police will have to save, but the earmarked amount is sufficient for peacetime operations, Interior Minister Ivan Penic said on Tuesday. Penic addressed a ceremony in Sibenik marking the eighth anniversary of the "Jastrebovi" (Hawks) special police unit's formation. The 1999 budget envisages US$532 million for the police, which is 2.7 percent less than in 1998. Penic assessed the reorganisation of special police units in peacetime was very good. Congratulating "Jastrebovi" on their eighth anniversary, Penic's special advisor General Mladen Markac emphasised in particular the unit's contribution to the capture of 26 ships of the former Yugoslav navy, as well as to the high-quality anti-aircraft defence of Sibenik during the strongest Serbian attacks. Prominent unit members were presented with decorations, awards, and commendations from the Croatian President, Minister Penic, and General Markac. "Jastrebovi" were formed on September 1, 1990, and during the Serbian aggression against Croatia fought on most battlefields in Dalmatia, and also took part in all liberation operations. Now, in the post-war period, they guard the state border. The eighth anniversary was marked with a successful helicopter landing exercise aimed at liberating hostages from a ship anchored in Sibenik harbour. There was also an exhibition of the unit's equipment and arms. (hina) ha/sp jn