ZAGREB, Feb 17 (Hina) - The Croatian Bloc (HB) leader, Ivic Pasalic, has stated that his party will initiate impeachment proceedings against President Stjepan Mesic because he exerted influence on judicial authorities, thus violating
the Constitution, by signing a protocol on the sale of Sisak Ironworks to the Russian company "Mechel".
ZAGREB, Feb 17 (Hina) - The Croatian Bloc (HB) leader, Ivic Pasalic,
has stated that his party will initiate impeachment proceedings
against President Stjepan Mesic because he exerted influence on
judicial authorities, thus violating the Constitution, by signing
a protocol on the sale of Sisak Ironworks to the Russian company
"Mechel". #L#
HB will urge the establishment of a parliamentary commission to
determine how Mesic violated the Constitution while performing his
presidential duties, Pasalic said at a news conference.
By signing the protocol and using his powers as the president, Mesic
exerted influence on the bankruptcy commissioner of the Sisak-
based company, Ilija Maric, Pasalic said.
Maric, who is undergoing medical treatment, signed the protocol in
hospital saying that he "do not believe the president would sign the
protocol with just any client".
A member of the HB Presidency, Ivan Brlekovic, believes Mesic does
not have the power to sign a protocol threatening the division of
power between the judicial, legislative and executive authorities
and that he acted against judicial independence.
Apart from abuse of his public powers, Mesic's conduct also
includes elements of a criminal act, he said.
(hina) rml