GENERAL KRSTICEVIC NOT TO BE CALLED OUT OF RETIREMENT

ZAGREB, Jan 29 (Hina) - Croatia's Defence Ministry on Monday reacted upon "wrong interpretations" of a statement which Minister Jozo Rados has recently given about retired general Damir Krsticevic. A few days ago, being asked by a reporter about Krsticevic's destiny, Rados told a news conference that he believed that Krsticevic "is an able and educated (officer), in whom the Ministry has invested much," and that it would be nice to "find a place where he will use those abilities." The Ministry stated that by such answer Minister Rados did not raise the question about "re-calling General Damir Krsticevic to the active duty in the Defence Ministry." A few months ago Croatia's President Stjepan Mesic retired Krsticevic, together with a few other general, after they signed an open letter forwarded to the public about the protection of the dignity of the Homeland War. On Monday, Mesic reiterated, in his interview to the Croatian radio, that he would again send Krsticevic into retirement who, as Mesic said, was proud of his signature at the aforementioned letter. The head of state, however, said he had nothing against of employment of Krsticevic as an civilian. (hina) sb ms