ZAGREB MAYOR MAKES HIS MANDATE AVAILABLE

ZAGREB, Jan 8 (Hina) - Zagreb mayor Milan Bandic on Tuesday made his mandate available, and informed the City Council chairman, Velimir Srica, about his decision.#L# Until a discussion on my mandate in the City Council, I will make efforts to perform the duty of Zagreb mayor as I did so far, professionally and with enthusiasm, Bandic told a press conference. He read a letter in which he informed Srica about his decision. Bandic made his mandate available and asked that his proposal be included in the agenda of the first session of the Council. Bandic apologised once more in his letter and expressed regret for incidents regarding a minor car accident he caused Saturday night while driving under the influence of alcohol. Asked whether he expected the support of the coalition partner, Bandic answered "this is not easy for me, I have not been sleeping for the past three days and do not ask me that". He also said he did not offer his mandate yesterday because he wanted to first inform the leadership of his party (Social Democrats), which had suggested his appointment. Since I received the SDP's support, I decided to make my mandate available today, Bandic said. The next regular session of the City Council is scheduled for January 31, 2002. (hina) np