PARLIAMENT TO DISCUSS EXPANSION OF JURISDICTION IN ADRIATIC ON FRIDAY

ZAGREB, Oct 2 (Hina) - All Croatian parliamentary parties agreed at a meeting on Thursday evening that the the agenda of the 37th session of parliament on Friday should be expanded to include a discussion on proposed expansion of Croatia's jurisdiction in the Adriatic Sea. #L# At midday, deputies are expected to open a debate on a proposal by the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) to declare an economic zone and a government proposal to declare a fishing and ecological zone in the Adriatic. Most opposition parties announced on Thursday evening they would oppose the government proposal and would push for an urgent declaration of an exclusive economic zone. The main opposition party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), did not comment on the government proposal, saying it would present its position on Friday. "The European Union, Slovenia and Italy will not accept even a fishing and ecologial zone, and since we are getting into a confrontation, it would be better to declare an exclusive economic zone and negotiate later," Democratic Centre (DC) leader Mate Granic said. Tonci Tadic of the HSP is strongly opposed to the declaration of a fishing and ecological zone, which he said was not an institute recognised by international law. "The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea exclusively recognises territorial seas, international waters and outer, epicontinental and economic zones, and there is no mention of a fishing and ecological zone," Tadic said. Damir Kajin of the Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) party also opposed the declaration of a fishing and ecological zone. He said that the government could have proposed declaration of an economic zone with a deferred application of one year, during which time negotiations would be held with neighbours and the EU. (hina) vm sb