GOVERNMENT REFUTES CRITICISM BY MINORITIES

ZAGREB, May 22 (Hina)- The Croatian government expects the elected minority councils and representatives to cooperate with the National Minorities' Council in strengthening the system based on the Constitutional Law on Minority Rights and motivate and encourage citizens to run and vote in the next elections in higher numbers, the government said in a press release on Thursday commenting on recent elections for minority councils and representatives. #L# The government refuses to enter debates which often include unfounded criticisms by a small number of minority representatives who claim the elections have failed because they were prematurely and poorly organised. The government further reminds that the elections are guaranteed by the Constitutional Law on National Minorities adopted last December and that they were not organised prematurely. A wide public debate about the Constitutional Law on Minority Rights, which preceded the elections and included minority representatives, associations and MPs, is proof that the elections received adequate media coverage. Minority representatives were advised of the election in the media one month before they were held, the government said. The press release notes that the OSCE Mission to Croatia and the GONG non-government organisation were actively involved in providing information about the election. The government believes that the election of minority councils and representatives and the introduction of a large number of new people in the country's social life will increase the awareness of the need to deal with the problems of the everyday life of minorities and help them exercise their rights as defined by the constitution and laws. (hina) sp rml sb