RIJEKA PORT UNIONS CONTEST LEGALITY OF FOUNDING PORT MANAGEMENT

RIJEKA, Jan 28 (Hina) - Representatives of three port unions told reporters on Tuesday that they had offered an agreement to the Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications Ministry, according to which the unions would withdraw their lawsuits if the ministry supported the annulment of the privatisation of Rijeka Harbour. #L# The presidents of the three Rijeka Harbour employees' unions, Roberto Zubcic, Vlatko Mandekic and Drago Jelcic believe that only speculative capital can enter the port if legal affairs in the harbour are not clear. Five years ago, the unions asked the Constitutional Court to initiate proceedings to verify the constitutionality of a decision on the establishment of the harbour management, which was founded in 1996. They believe that the illegal founding of the management enabled the harbour's illicit privatisation and the establishment of several new companies. "After having waited five years for a ruling, we no longer have any doubts. The Constitutional Court cannot be expected to make a responsible decision," the unionists say. They stressed that the Constitutional Court's conduct made possible the questionable work of the Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications Ministry, the Croatian Privatisation Fund, the State Audit Bureau and the harbour management's steering board. The unions have filed lawsuits against some of these institutions for the unlawful foundation of the harbour management. (hina) lml