CROATIA WILL STRENGTHEN MILITARY COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA- MINISTER

MOSCOW, Dec 17 (Hina)- Croatia will strengthen its military cooperation with Russia to ensure maintenance and expansion of its arsenals, Croatian Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac said on Thursday. Minister Miljavac, who is visiting Moscow as a member of a Croatian state delegation headed by President Tudjman, will sign agreements on military and technological cooperation with Russia on Friday. Speaking to reporters aboard a special plane bound for Moscow, Miljavac said the agreement would enable Croatia to maintain its present arsenal and equipment, 80 per cent of which has been made in eastern Europe. Furthermore, the agreements will ensure safe supply with new weapons and equipment, including Russian transport helicopters and planes and possibly even anti-armour systems and armoured vehicles. There are certain advantages to purchasing weapons and equipment from Russia rather than from other countries, Miljavac said. "We can get them, they are relatively cheap and reliable", said he. Croatia is also considering Russia's offer to modernise its MIG jets. Other than the Russian offer, Croatia has also received offers for modernisation of its MIG 21 jets from two Israeli companies. "The decision will be probably made in January 1999", Miljavac said when speaking about the offers. Other than the MIGs, Croatia could also decide to modernise its helicopters, added he. Miljavac denied that the strengthening of military cooperation with Russia indicated that Croatia was turning from the west to the east, adding that Croatia would stay committed to its strategic goal - membership in NATO's Partnership for Peace initiative. According to Miljavac, by strengthening military cooperation with Russia Croatia wants to ensure smooth purchase of weapons and military equipment, which has not been possible with the west, especially the USA and the EU, due to operational political differences. (hina) mm mr