MAIN COMMITTEE: HSS MUST SECURE LEADING ROLE IN COALITION GOVT.

ZAGREB, May 31 (Hina) - The Croatian Peasant Party's (HSS) Main Committee on Saturday supported the party's decision to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections on its own and secure a leading role in the country's coalition government. #L# The elections will probably be held in mid-November, said party president Zlatko Tomcic, who believes that the election schedule should not be changed as it is favourable also with regard to the fulfilment of obligations towards the European Union. Postponing the elections could discourage parts of the state administration, including the parliament, said Tomcic. He claimed that the summer should be used to meet the set conditions, after which elections should be organised, the new parliament set up and government elected. The European Commission, which will discuss Croatia's membership application next spring, also needs time to see if the new parliament and government are co-operative as the incumbent ones, Tomcic said. The Main Committee agreed that the party should run in the elections alone and enter post-electoral coalitions with all parties except for the extreme left and right. The Committee also endorsed the set-up of electoral headquarters and confirmed the election of 12 headquarters heads. (hina) rml