Although the activation of the EFPZ will be postponed until 1 January 2008, fishermen are satisfied with the provision allowing them to enter the EFPZ without passports and stay there not longer than 36 hours.
"We are trying to be sensible, although we regret that an exclusive economic zone had not been declared earlier. We insist that this be the last time the activation of the EFPZ is delayed," Baranovic said.
Although a majority of Opposition parliamentary parties announced their vote against the government's proposal, the government can count on 92 votes from members of parliament, and those are deputies of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), the Social Liberals (HSLS), the Croatian Pensioners' Party (HSU), the Croatian People's Party (HNS), the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS), minority representatives, and MPs from three regional parties.
The government's motion is opposed by representatives of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP), the Social Democrats (SDP) and the Peasant Party (HSS).