No need to revise the Vatican treaties, cooperation with the Catholic Church and all religious communities well-arranged

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Thursday the government rejected an interpellation submitted by 16 MPs regarding the procurement of fighter jets, adding that everything the government had done about that was more resolute and brave with regard to the modernisation of the air force than any previous government.

"We did everything we could to provide Croatia with new aircraft which, compared with the existing ones, are good, modern, well-equipped, and affordable over a ten-year period, without any hidden costs. For reasons on which our government and Croatia could have no influence, the transaction did not happen and we will 100% learn certain lessons," Plenkovic said.

He underscored that the government's determination to modernise its air force was as strong as last year, announcing that, after additional analyses and preparations, the government would decide when to embark on a new procurement process.

Plenkovic went on to say that two-thirds of Croatia was covered by the law on housing provision in assisted areas. He said HRK 22 billion had been invested in reconstruction and housing provision and that Croatia had rebuilt or built 156,000 houses and flats without international financial aid, adding that this was part of the government's population policy.

Plenkovic reiterated the government's position that there was no need to revise the Vatican treaties and that it was clearly against it.

He said the government's cooperation with the Catholic Church and all religious communities in Croatia was well-arranged and that it contributed to society as a whole. "We will continue to work in that spirit of cooperation and partnership and implement the four treaties which are in force."

Also today, the government gave its consent to Osijek Airport to borrow HRK 22 million from the Croatian Postal Bank and approved collateral for the loan, which will be used for debt servicing and carrying out this year's business plan.

Last year Osijek Airport recorded 67,235 passengers, which was up 55% on 2017 and a new annual record.

Text: Hina

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