CROATIA TO INTRODUCE WESTERN WEAPONRY BY 2005

WASHIGNTON, Oct 30 (Hina) - Croatia intends to fully introduce the western military structure and weapons by Year 2005, Croatian Defence Minister Gojko Susak said in Washington on Wednesday. "We have eastern weapons now - but if the budget allows, I hope that we will be fully equipped with western weapons by 2005," Susak said. As a step toward this goal, the Croatian delegation is to sign a hire purchase contract with US Bell for six training helicopters, worth about US$ 15 million. The repayment period is seven years, with a year's grace period. This is the first time Croatia is buying military equipment from the United States. At meetings with US officials, Minister Susak is also to discuss Croatia's ambition to join NATO's Partnership for Peace program. "Croatia's admission to that program was postponed at the latest NATO meeting, even though the US is supporting Croatia's membership," Susak said. Croatia's accession would surely depend on the situation in neighbouring Bosnia-Herzegovina and particularly the Bosnian Federation, he said. Asked about Iranian influence on the Bosnian politics, Susak said he was concerned over Iran's influence in the military area. "Intelligence data indicate the presence of some (Iranian combatants), even though Government officials deny it. Their presence will not be beneficial to the relationship between Croats and Moslems," Susak said. Asked about the disintegration of Herzeg-Bosnian bodies, Susak said the job was well under way. "95 percent of this job has already been completed, since it goes hand in hand with the establishment of cantonal authorities in the Federation, which are to take charge of 75% of all government functions," Susak clarified. Queried about Croatia's view on the extradition of people charged with war crimes, specifically Dario Kordic, Susak said that Croatian policemen would arrest every suspect they found. He dismissed reports of Kordic's stay in Zagreb as "misinformation." "Kordic is not in Croatia," said Susak, adding that Mrs. Kordic with the children lived in a private flat in Zagreb. (hina) jn as 302212 MET oct 96