13.  NATO shall be allowed to operate its own internal mail and telecommunications services, including broadcast services. Telecommunications channels and other communications needs which may interfere with Croatian telecommunication services shall be coordinated with appropriate Croatian authorities free of cost. It is recognized by the Government of Croatia that the use of communications channels shall be necessary for the Operation.

14.  The Government of Croatia shall provide, free of cost, such facilities NATO needs for the preparation for and execution of the Operation. The Government of Croatia shall assist NATO in obtaining, at the lowest rate, the necessary utilities such as electricity, water and other resources necessary for the Operation.

15.  Claims for damage or injury to Croatian Government personnel or property, or to private personnel or property shall be submitted through Croatian governmental authorities to the designated NATO Representatives.

16.  NATO shall be allowed to contract direct with suppliers for services and supplies in the Republic of Croatia without payment of tax or duties. Such services and supplies shall not be subject to sales or other taxes. NATO may hire local personnel who shall remain subject to local laws and regulations. However, local personnel hired by NATO shall:

(a) be immune from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and all acts performed by them in their official capacity;

(b) be immune from national services and/or national military service obligations;

(c) be exempt from taxation on the salaries and emoluments paid to them by NATO.

17.  NATO may in the conduct of the Operation, have need to make improvements or modifications to certain Croatian infrastructure such as roads, utility systems, bridges, tunnels, buildings, etc. Any such improvements or modifications of a non-temporary nature shall become part of and in the same ownership as that infrastructure. Temporary improvements or modifications may be removed at the discretion of the NATO Commander, and the facility returned to as near its original condition as possible.

18.  Failing any prior settlement, disputes with regard to the interpretation or application of the present agreement shall be settled between Croatia and NATO Representatives by diplomatic means.

19.  The provisions of this agreement shall also apply to the civilian and military personnel, property and assets of national elements/units of NATO states, acting in connection to the Operation or the relief for the civilian population which however remain under national command and control.

20.  Supplemental arrangements may be concluded to work out details for the Operation also taking into account its further development.

21. The Government of Croatia shall accord non-NATO states and their personnel participating in the Operation the same privileges and immunities as those accorded under this agreement to NATO states and personnel.

22.  The provisions of this agreement shall remain in force until completion of the Operation or as the Parties otherwise agree.

23.  This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature.

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