CROATIAN PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED FOR ELECTIONS - EXTENDED

ZAGREB, Oct 17 (Hina) - During a debate on the dissolution of the parliament on Friday, deputies thanked each other for cooperation despite frequent differences in views and some offered apologies for insulting fellow MPs during heated discussions. While some deputies argued that this parliament had done a lot of work, others insisted that it failed to fulfil the promises made to the electorate in 2000. Most of them, however, agreed that occasional fierce political battles had been fought within democratic standards and with respect for national interests, and that great efforts were made to ensure a political, economic and democratic stability of the country. The decision on dissolution was opposed by Zlatko Canjuga of the Independent Democrats (HND), who said that the Sabor had dissolved itself in the past only when it was unable to function. "Now the executive authorities can do as they please over the next four and a half months," he said. On the other hand, independent MP Ljubo Cesic Rojs argued that, in view of the results achieved, the parliament should have been dissolved three years ago because "we have managed to do nothing." He called on other deputies to return the pay they had received as members of parliament and "give it to the poor". At the end of the session, deputies were addressed by speaker Zlatko Tomcic of the Peasant Party (HSS), who said that it was a pity that previous sessions had not been held in such a good atmosphere as was this last one. (hina) vm sb