HSLS GOVERNING COUNCIL CONFIRMS 6 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS

ZAGREB, Feb 9 (Hina) - The Governing Council of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) on Saturday confirmed six members of the party's Executive Council, at the suggestion of the HSLS president, Drazen Budisa. Budisa left two seats in the Executive Council void, although he has the right to appoint eight members under the HSLS Statute. The Executive Council, along with the chairman, deputy chairmen and HSLS secretary-general, numbers a total of 14 members. Budisa refused to speak about the reasons for his decision, but unofficial sources in the party said that Budisa had left the two places void as a possibility of reaching a compromise with the opposition, minority current in the HSLS. It is speculated that the seats will be filled by Defence Minister Jozo Rados and a woman member of the HSLS. Rados applauded Budisa's decision, assessing that it had left open the possibility for opinions which are not shared by the majority of the party's members to be heard. At today's session, Rados subjected to those members of the HSLS Governing Council who asked for the constituting of the Executive Council to be postponed. Some Governing Council Members believe that Budisa's proposal for the Executive Council members completely excluded the minority current. Asked why he opposed such requests, Rados explained it was logical that the Executive Council would be constituted as soon as possible so the HSLS president could be enabled to lead the party. He expressed hope that the crisis in the party would be settled as soon as possible, and the HSLS be oriented towards its tasks instead of dealing with internal conflicts. Some members of the Governing Council told reporters that during the session Budisa had said it was obvious that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was prepared for early elections. According to the same sources, Budisa also reportedly said that the SDP, through stories about the possible dismissal of ministers from the ranks of the HSLS, wished to place blame on the HSLS. Budisa wanted to neither confirm nor negate the claims. The session, which was attended by all HSLS ministers, ended by electing the Governing Council leadership. Hrvoje Zoric was elected chairman and Dragica Jancitic and Srecko Papac as deputy chairpersons. The HSLS Governing Council, at Budisa's suggestion, confirmed Dorica Nikolic as secretary-general, and Ante Grabovac as party treasurer. (hina) lml