PRESIDENT'S OFFICE DISMISSES MEDIA CLAIMS ABOUT SISAK IRONWORKS

ZAGREB, Feb 10 (Hina) - Commenting on media claims about President Stjepan Mesic's alleged mediation in the sale of Sisak Ironworks to Russia's "Mecelj" company, the President's Office on Monday issued a statement dismissing the claims as speculations. #L# It is noted in the statement that Mesic dismissed claims that had he signed a contract, i.e. a protocol on the sale of Sisak Ironworks to the Russian bidder. Representatives of the Russian company had informed the president about their intention to continue production in and keep all employees of the Sisak company, which the president supported with his signature, emphasising the need to respect Croatian laws, reads the statement. Along with Mesic, Labour and Welfare Minister Davorko Vidovic and Sisak County prefect Djuro Brodarac signed the document as well. However, it was made clear in the protocol that the final conditions of the contract would have to be signed by bankruptcy commissioner Ilija Maric, reads the statement. President Mesic gave his support in principle to the sale of the Sisak company and the protocol he signed in no way defined conditions of the sale itself, nor did the president participate in defining them, it is noted in the statement. It is also stated that the Croatian government and the company's bankruptcy management had previously defined the model of sale of Sisak Ironworks with the consent of the Economy Ministry. "The said protocol... has no legal effect and its sole purpose was to confirm that the Russian investor's offer was serious. The president's interest in the fate of Sisak Ironworks is clear and justified considering the fact that the fate of almost 2,000 workers (and their families) depends on whether the company will go bankrupt or find a new owner who will re-start and expand production," reads the statement from the President's Office. (hina) rml