ZAGREB, Nov 27, 2020 – A final bill on ratifying an agreement with the United States concerning the deployment of Air Marshals was discussed by Croatian members of parliament on Friday.
Mario Kapulica of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) announced support for the ratification of the agreement aimed at the protection of Croatian and U.S. citizens on flights and called on all other lawmakers to support the ratification.
Davor Dretar of the Homeland Movement also announced support for the agreement which is perceived as a prerequisite for Croatia’s admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
The agreement defines the subject matter and area of application, relevant bodies to implement the agreement, operational procedures, general responsibility of both the country of departure and the country of arrival, training and technical support, as well as the issue of costs and dispute resolution.
It also defines the term air marshal, who is in charge of the security of planes and their passengers and crew and provides defence in combatting terrorism and other security threats.
The agreement contains provisions aimed at strengthening cooperation between parties to advance passenger safety in air traffic or in combined air services and ensures a framework for the deployment of air marshals.
