ZAGREB, Aug 20 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said on Wednesday the government would next week debate the problem of Croatia's debt and balance of payments.
ZAGREB, Aug 20 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said on
Wednesday the government would next week debate the problem of
Croatia's debt and balance of payments. #L#
To prepare for the discussion, government, finance ministry and
Croatian National Bank officials and Racan will meet on August 22.
The executive and monetary authorities do not share the same view of
the problem, he said, but added the differences were not big.
There is a problem, but it has not gained alarming proportions,
Racan said, adding the country's foreign debt was not a significant
problem as much as some elements in the balance of payments. Then
there are issues of grey economy, import and export, encouraging
exports, the issue of services and the like, he said.
After next week's government session, the debt and balance of
payments problems will be discussed in parliament, Racan said,
adding there was no reason to avoid a debate on the issues in any
way.
At tomorrow's session, the government will be apprised of the
extensive work of responding to the EU questionnaire. The task is
being carried out well and will be completed on time, Racan said.
The government is prepared to do a fair and good job until the end of
its term and do everything to see that the date of elections does not
depend on its work, Racan said, adding the government should finish
its chief strategic task pertaining to joining the EU by the end of
October.
"From the government's point of view, there is no reason for
elections not to be held in the second half of November, since by
that time the government and parliament will have completed their
strategic tasks," Racan said when asked if the government was
prepared for elections in the autumn.
Racan also discussed topical issues with leaders of the ruling
coalition with whom he met for an informal lunch today.
(hina) lml