CROATIA, SLOVAKIA SIGN MILITARY COOPERATION AGREEMENT

BRATISLAVA, March 13 (Hina) - Croatian Defense Minister Gojko Susak who is on a two-day official visit to the Slovak Republic, and Slovak Defense Minister Jan Sitek signed a Military Cooperation Agreement in Bratislava on Thursday. Susak confirmed there was a possibility of a Slovak battalion remaining in the Croatian Danubian area after the expiry of the UNTAES mandate to help with the clearing of mines. "Details will be discussed by expert groups of the two countries," Susak explained. Asked whether Croatia was interested in the purchase of equipment and arms from Slovakia, Susak said that this was possible. Speaking about Croatia's access into international military organizations, Susak stressed that Croatia's long-term plan was to enter NATO through the Partnership for peace Programme. "However, before entering NATO and the Partnership for Peace, Croatia is trying to be completely compatible with their systems, because compatibility and membership in fact come to one and the same thing," Susak said. Sitek said the signing of the Military Cooperation Agreement was the result of very good relations between Slovakia and Croatia. "I am convinced that there will be great progress in all fields of cooperation," Sitek said. Asked whether Slovakia was interested in purchasing Croatian weapons and military equipment, Sitek stressed that this issue would be discussed by expert teams of both countries. (hina) lm mm 131555 MET mar 97