HSS PRESIDENT: PARTY WANTS ELECTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

ZAGREB, May 6 (Hina) - The president of the Croatian parliament and of the Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), Zlatko Tomcic, voiced the party's wish that parliamentary elections be held as soon as possible. He thus dismissed claims of a Croatian weekly that he had reached an agreement with PM Ivica Racan that elections take place in March next year. #L# Asked if the HSS would insist on elections being held in mid-autumn if other four parties in the ruling coalition agree otherwise, Tomcic said the HSS could not make a decision on its own. He is certain, however, that there are sufficient strong arguments to convince partners that in the current situation the only logical step is to schedule elections for mid-autumn. Considering the importance of the goal which Croatia has set for itself -- entry into the EU -- parliament could have a working summer, he said. "I see no reason for us not to pass laws necessary for adjustment with the EU during the summer's extraordinary sessions," said Tomcic. He added the party was adamant in its decision to run independently in the elections and hold talks about possible coalitions only after the issuing of electoral results. The EU is a priority task, Tomcic said, recalling obligations awaiting parliament and the government on the path to the European Union, from the passing of laws to the preparation of answers to several thousands concrete questions. But even this can be accomplished before hand. Answers to 80% of questions can be prepared in advance, he said. It is not true that some tasks pertaining to entry in the EU cannot be completed by autumn. Rather, it is an estimate by some analysts, possibly some parties in the coalition, that it would be better for them if elections were held in March or April next year, Tomcic said. He refused to say which parties he meant. (hina) lml sb