ZAGREB, March 6, 2020 - Croatia could instigate the establishment of good relations between Russia and Europe during its presidency of the Council of the European Union, Russian Ambassador Anvar Azimov said in Rijeka on Friday.

In our opinion, Russia and Europe are the most natural friends in the world today. I would like it very much if your EU presidency marked the start of the establishment of good relations between Russia and Europe, he said.

Croatia has that possibility today and your wise Croatian government can make it happen and become the initiator of such relations, he added.

Azimov visited Rijeka for the unveiling of a bust of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin near the Astronomy Centre. The Russian Embassy to Croatia and the City of Rijeka participated in the erection of the bust.

Azimov also commented on Thursday's talks between presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey at which, he said, a very important decision was made as yet another important step towards establishing peace in Syria.

The two presidents agreed on ceasing all military operations and on a joint patrol of Russian and Turkish troops, Azimov said.

We are interested in reaching peace in Syria as soon as possible to stop the movement of migrants into Europe. Yesterday's decision testifies to Russia's influence and power, and Europe must appreciate Russia's role. Instead of imposing sanctions on Russia, Europe must establish friendly relations with it, he added.

More news about relations between Croatia and Russia can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, March 6, 2020 - President Zoran Milanović said on Friday the National Security Council did not discuss sending army to the border or changing the law to give the army different powers than those currently envisaged by the constitution.

"We know the army's tasks. It protects the integrity, independence and sovereignty of the state. Those are difficult categories and a migrant crisis is not a threat to them," Milanović told reporters a day after the National Security Council discussed the possibility of the army helping the police in case of a new migrant crisis.

At this moment, the army is not needed on the border, as could be seen in the press release issued after the meeting, which does not mention it at all, the president said.

The situation is being followed in the hope that it will not come to it that the army has to help the police as it did in 2015, he said, referring to that year's migrant wave. "In 2015, the Croatian army did a huge job without any legislative framework."

As for calls by the Croatian Sovereigntists party to amend the law and give the military different powers in case of a crisis as Slovenia has done, the president said Slovenia's deterrence tactic was "an operetta."

"In Slovenia it's been done so that soldiers walk along the border together with the police. The police are armed, the soldiers aren't. I don't want Croatian soldiers on the border with their hands in their pockets. We don't want them with weapons either, we see no need for that," said Milanovic.

More news about the migrant crisis can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, March 6, 2020 - Several Croatian civil society organisations gathered within the informal platform Forum 2020 called on the European Union on Friday to urgently adopt sustainable and solidary solutions to the humanitarian crisis at the land border between Turkey and Greece, on the Greek islands and at the external borders of the European Union.

The organisations held a press conference under the motto "For an open Europe" ahead of an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers in Zagreb. They condemned statements by senior EU officials aimed at undermining the rule of law, and were particularly concerned about the idea of sending troops to deal with civilians at the EU's external borders.

"Currently we are witnessing a political war between Turkey and the EU in which both sides use people for bullets. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that Greece must be Europe's shield," said Tajana Tadić of the organisation Are You Syrious?

She said that support by EU politicians to countries such as Greece and Croatia, which are expected to do a dirty job by protecting the EU's borders, even at the cost of human lives, was "concerning and hypocritical".

Tadic said that a legal and constructive EU response to the crisis should include "a solidary sharing of responsibility for asylum seekers among all the member states, rather than abolishing human rights and continuing a political trade with despots such as Erdogan."

"Weapons are not and cannot be an answer to a cry for help," said Sara Kekuš of the Centre for Peace Studies, adding that "Europe must not send troops to deal with people fleeing war and conflict."

Kekuš said that during its presidency the Croatian government should put the reform of the common asylum system on the agenda of the Council of the EU.

She said that the reform should include providing appropriate protection and honouring the principle of non-refoulement, an in-depth review of the Dublin system with a permanent sharing of responsibilities, sanctioning countries that violate human rights and refuse to participate in the sharing of responsibilities, and providing funding for integration rather than continuing to invest in the militarisation of the borders and deportation of people.

More news about the migrant crisis can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, March 6, 2020 - Croatia's job in Afghanistan is done and going there today is probably the last Croatian army contingent, President Zoran Milanović said on Friday.

The Croatian army has participated in the missions in Afghanistan since 2003. Today the 12th contingent is departing for the Resolute Support mission. A decision to that effect was signed by Milanovic, the Armed Forces Supreme Commander.

"I didn't want to dismantle a system that was built for 16 years and not sign the decision on sending another contingent to Afghanistan only two weeks after stepping into office," he told reporters.

"But after that, especially in light of the US-Taliban agreements, our job there is done. Especially considering that the US signed those agreements on its behalf. The Afghan government didn't participate in that, we even less. Therefore, we will be there for the next six months and I think that's fair enough."

He said a decision on the Croatian army leaving Afghanistan must be made by Croatian politicians. "Not the army, not our allies, not NATO and not the US on our behalf without our knowledge in negotiations we didn't even know were taking place."

"That's a US right and in 16 years we have contributed to that mission. Our army is needed here," said the president.

More news about Croatia and Afghanistan can be found in the Politics section.

March the 6th, 2020 - The Croatian Institute of Public Health, which is responsible for informing people about the current situation with coronavirus and how you can prevent the spread of the virus, has attempted addressing the masses in English. Now the subject of mockery among translators - it hasn't gone down too well.

Ever since I did the Lost in Translation series, (which you can read here, here, here, here, here... and there are probably more), I've been on the lookout for more linguistic gems. I'm a translator by profession and nothing irritates me more than Google Translate failures (although I'm told it has improved somewhat) and those who simply feel that there is absolutely no need for qualified translators, and that Mr. Google or Zdenka's cousin who lives in Dublin can do the job without fail.

In my industry, you tend to hear one or several of a seemingly automated selection of responses when contacted by a would-be employer. Here they are:

1.) We have had some offers, but they've all been ''too expensive'', so we want to find someone who is ''more within our price range''. 

What this means is that they have contacted translators who have given them perfectly normal prices based on their request and a proper and fair calculation, but since the client has no idea of the ins and outs of translation, they've deemed it too expensive because translation is just something people ''can do'' - right? Wrong. This is usually followed by them trying to get you to lower your price.

2.) We hired ---- who offered to do the job at a discount price but our client wasn't happy and wants it to be done again.

What this means is that they paid ridiculously low rates to someone's friend's cousin's former roommate based on the fact that they can speak a little English and their uncle once lived in America. The translation makes zero sense and only when they've paid dearly do they realise the importance of a native speaker with qualifications.

3.) Can you do the work and have it finished by the end of the day/other impossibly short time period?

What this means is that they have zero idea about what is involved in translation and want you to complete it as soon as possible while they take their time paying you and make all the excuses under the sun along the way because they a) have no idea what translation actually implies and b) because they lack respect for you and/or your profession - possibly a mixture of the two.

The above ''automated responses'' are very common in Croatia and every translator will have come face to face with them at some point or another during their careers. Now and again, you get a large, reputable company who has no issue with your price, your agreed deadline, writing you a legal contract, signing it and actually paying you properly. 

One such company, or institution rather, that you'd expect to hire a competent translator and make absolutely sure that the translation is 100% correct before turning it into a sign is the Croatian Institute of Public Health. 

With the outbreak of coronavirus, or COVID-19, institutions across the globe are working to accurately inform the public of preventative measures they can take to lower their chances of contracting the virus or passing it to others. It's also necessary to inform people just what COVID-19 is, and when to worry and of course when not to.

A friend of mine who shares my love of translation fails sent me this today, and I must say that while the translation isn't terrible by any means, it's just a little bit embarrassing and shameful for the Croatian Institute of Public Health, which needs to be on the ball as a virus that has never before been observed in humans spreads across the globe and as more cases are confirmed here in Croatia.

My first question is just how one can cover their mouth with their elbow? I've tried several times, either I'm awfully inflexible or this simply isn't something a person would instinctively do, ever.

Avoid handling, you say? Handling what exactly? I am inclined to think this means that you should avoid rukovanje (the shaking of hands), which would imply ''close conversation''.

''Kipping'' rooms ventilated is definitely essential and doesn't always sit very well with Croats who are terrified of the dreaded propuh (draught), owing to the belief that it actually causes one to become sick, when in many cases it's the complete opposite. Regardless of propuh, if you want to avoid coronavirus, then kip that room ventilated. 

Avoid larger ''group'' of people? Just the one group, then.

This isn't the world's worst translation by any means and I've seen a lot worse, but come on.

It's one thing when a pub or a bar or some other small, private business makes a little, amusing error, but the Croatian Institute of Public Health has more than enough funds available to it to hire a translator and a proof reader to make sure a very short and simple translation such as this one, about something that is so important, goes out and is placed on signs and official websites smoothly.

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ZAGREB, March 6, 2020 - During a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday, the chiefs of security and intelligence agencies and the interior minister presented data on migrant movements, briefed on activities by Croatia's police in protecting the state border, and discussed the possibility of providing support to the police.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković informed of activities related to the potential development of a new migrant crisis on the eastern-Mediterranean/western Balkan route, the crisis in Syria and the situation on the Turkish-Greek border, a press release issued after the meeting said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Davor Božinović presented the conclusions of an extraordinary meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council on Wednesday which he chaired.

The National Security Council was briefed on the activities by Croatia's police in protecting the state border and in that regard, the possibility of providing support to the police by other relevant state institutions and services was considered, the press release said.

All measures regarding COVID-19 conducted in timely manner, efficiently and transparently

Members of the government and the national civil protection authority briefed the Council on all the activities undertaken at the national level over the past two months related to the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus as well as at the level of the European Union, considering Croatia's role in presiding over the Council of the European Union.

It was concluded that all the measures were undertaken in a timely manner, efficiently and transparently. In addition to the activities regarding health and security, the possible consequences to finances, tourism and the economy were also analysed.

After a debate it was concluded that all the relevant institutions should continue with additional measures as required, including regular meetings of the EU health council, the press release from the President's Office said.

More news about the migrant crisis can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, March 6, 2020 - The first informal meeting of European Foreign Affairs Ministers during Croatia's presidency of the Council of the EU was held on Thursday in Lužnica Castle, some 20 kilometres west of Zagreb, with the main topic of discussion being the migrant crisis and relations with Turkey and with Russia.

The meeting of foreign affairs ministers from the Member States of the European Union is also known as Gymnich. It received that name from the first meeting in that format held at Schloss Gymnich in Erftstadt, Germany in 1974.

"Today we will meet in a very narrow format, just the foreign ministers, to discuss the current situation and topics related to relations between the European Union and Russia and with Turkey, as well as the situation related to our current migrant crisis with refugees in Syria," Croatia's Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman said ahead of the meeting.

"It will certainly be interesting. The EU has a responsibility as the leading organisation of countries in the world that respects human rights and international law."

Previously Gymnich meetings included candidates for membership to the EU, which is not the case this time and Grlić Radman revealed that that decision was made by the Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell, "so we can more efficiently discuss the most important topics."

Ahead of the meeting Borrell underscored that Europe in Syria is not a fighter but a humanitarian.

Borrell supported the creation of a safe zone in northern Syria after an escalation of the conflict has displaced another million people.

Dutch Minister Stef Blok also said that he hopes a zone like that will result in agreement within the UN Security Council.

More news about Croatia and the EU can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, March 6, 2020 - The government is prepared, under certain circumstances and strict control, to issue guarantees for 48% of the value of new ships for the Australian Scenic Group that would be built in the 3. Maj shipyard, Economy Minister Darko Horvat said at the Rijeka-based dock after talks with the Scenic Group's owner and the 3. Maj director.

Horvat, Scenic Group owner Glen Moroney and 3. Maj director Edi Kučan discussed the construction of five polar cruise ships with a total value of €860 million.

We consider that the agreement was reached about ten days ago when we accepted the mutual interest of the shipyard and the client to invest in 3. Maj, to rehabilitate the dock and build sophisticated ships, Horvat said.

The government is willing to assist 3. Maj under certain conditions and strict control, and issue guarantees at the ratio 48 to 52 per cent, which the client has agreed to, Horvat explained.

Horvat believes that that is a fair division of responsibility, with strict supervision and pace of construction.

Asked when would that agreement enters into force, he said at the very moment when a request for the first guarantee is received.

For the state, that means the continuation of shipbuilding at 3. Maj, Horvat said.

Asked whether that means the end of the dock's agony, Horvat said that he would not be that optimistic. The state, he said, has done its share and now the dock's management has to do its part.

Asked whether a car transport ship (514) that was to have been built in the Uljanik shipyard in Pula would now end up in 3. Maj, Horvat said that that is something for lawyers to deal with. "Once lawyers come to an agreement over the methodology, then the government will give its consent," he said.

He underscored that the bailout of 3. Maj has been planned on the basis of three ships being completed, which includes ship 514 being completed in 3. Maj on schedule. "With the completion of ship 514, we will be able to talk about the repayment of the loan of HRK 150 million which HBOR issued to kickstart 3. Maj and give it further prospects," he said.

Kučan confirmed that the construction of the ships for the Australian company means the salvation of 3. Maj. "We saw, together with the government, that we can survive on the global market by building specialised ships. We supported the owner of the Scenic Group, Moroney, with whom I already successfully collaborated in Pula on the construction of the Scenic Eclipse. We saw the right partner who can ensure our survival and continuation of production in Rijeka".

Kučan said the deal would not burden taxpayers. "We have received a loan from the government to launch production and with the successful completion of the ship, we will repay that loan," he underscored.

Moroney said that the entire ship would be constructed and equipped at the Rijeka dock.

Asked why he selected 3. Maj for that task, Moroney said that he did so primarily because of the people. One ship has already been built for Scenic, nearly the entire team is from this region and Croatia, he said and added that shipyards without the people and their experience don't mean anything.

Asked whether he would be prepared to be a strategic partner in 3. Maj, Moroney said that it is necessary to see how things develop and to take one step at a time.

We want to build many more ships. For now, the plan is five. The ships need to be completed on time and within budget and in accordance with agreements. If that happens, then who knows, he said.

More news about Croatian shipyards can be found in the Business section.