ZAGREB, March 1 (Hina) - After their five-hour long talks on Friday evening, the leaders of the two strongest parties in the ruling coalition, Ivica Racan and Zlatko Tomcic told reporters that they had discussed many issues concerning
the relations between the Social Democrats (SDP) and the Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), such as some bills which should be debated in parliament and the issue of privatisation.
ZAGREB, March 1 (Hina) - After their five-hour long talks on Friday
evening, the leaders of the two strongest parties in the ruling
coalition, Ivica Racan and Zlatko Tomcic told reporters that they
had discussed many issues concerning the relations between the
Social Democrats (SDP) and the Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), such
as some bills which should be debated in parliament and the issue of
privatisation. #L#
Addressing the reporters, HSS chief Zlatko Tomcic said he was
confident that after these talks the two parties "are on the good
path towards reaching soon a complete solution to the privatisation
issue". Thus, they can deny allegations of those who believe that
privatisation in Croatia was discontinued, Tomcic explained.
"Privatisation has been carried out under one model which has not
offered any prospects of full transparency and speed, but both of us
are willing to remedy those insufficiencies," Tomcic said and Racan
agreed with him.
Asked whether at the meeting they had mulled over possible
candidates for the president of the Croatian Privatisation Fund,
Tomcic answered there was no talk of the personnel issues, and added
that each party would soon define its stands so that they might
reach agreement on the matter as well.
SDP chief Racan added that the HSS and SDP leaderships had decided
to hold meetings on a more regular basis, and announced the
continuation of Friday evening's meeting in order that the two
sides could overcome their differences, for the purpose of better
functioning of the coalition government.
Asked to comment on an article in a Croatian daily on the alleged
agreement between the HSS and the strongest opposition party HDZ,
Tomcic said there had been no agreements between him and the
Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ)'s president Ivo Sanader, neither
had he discussed any form of cooperation between the HSS and the
HDZ.
Asked to comment on different drafts of a new electoral law,
proposed by his party and the HSS and speculations that the SDP
would ensure a majority of seats in Sabor with the help of the HDZ,
Racan responded that he did not know "from where the speculations
are coming".
He added that, first of all, the existent law on election should be
adjusted to amendments to the Constitution and constitutional
laws.
"It remains to be seen which electoral bills will go, and whether
the coalition will suggest a joint electoral law," Racan said
adding he was optimistic about the outcome.
(hina) ms