RULING MPS ENDORSE, OPPOSITION AGAINST GOVERNMENT'S MEDIA BILL

ZAGREB, Sept 24 (Hina) - Ruling coalition MPs endorsed the government's final media bill during debate on Wednesday, while the opposition said the bill was more restrictive than current provisions and introduced state control over the media. #L# Krunoslav Gasparic of the Croatian Bloc said the bill contained provisions which gave authorities the possibility to manipulate the media. Jadranka Kosor of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) agreed. Josko Kontic of the Social Liberals said the government had discriminated against the media bill moved by Vesna Skare-Ozbolt of the Democratic Centre. Mirjana Didovic of the ruling Social Democrats endorsed the government's media bill, saying it was diametrically opposed to the practice under the HDZ government, which she said had been directed against the freedom of journalists and the media. The Istrian Democratic Assembly backed the bill but Damir Kajin voiced doubts that it would be viable. "The media are becoming the strongest political tool with huge political influence," he said. Culture Minister Antun Vujic countered criticism from the opposition by saying the bill had been drawn up with public interest in mind. New provisions will give precedence to truthful informing, he said. MPs wrapped up today's sitting by debating a package of technical laws on product safety. The session resumes tomorrow. (hina) ha