RACAN ON MINISTERS' RESIGNATIONS AFTER COALITION DISCUSSION

ZAGREB, Feb 28 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said today he would comment on last night's resignation of six Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) ministers after the ruling coalition and leaderships of coalition parties discuss the issue. After a discussion in the coalition, and, I believe, in coalition party leaderships, I will personally, as premier, comment on the issue, Racan said at the start of Thursday's government session. He confirmed he received six resignations on his desk for, as he said, known reasons. Despite the resignations, the government will continue to do its work responsibly, he said. The government will keep working regularly and responsibly and will do so as long as it has the support of the Croatian parliament, he stressed. Racan thanked the resigning ministers for their announcement that they would continue to do their work with responsibility and dedication until a decision is made on relieving them of duty. I expect the same from other government members, Racan stressed. We are professionals at a test and we shall pass this test, he asserted. Five ministers of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) last night informed the public that they had submitted their resignations to Racan. The five are First Deputy Premier Goran Granic, Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic, Defence Minister Jozo Rados, Health Minister Andro Vlahusic and Science and Technology Minister Hrvoje Kraljevic. Among them last night was not Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications Minister Alojz Tusek, but officials at the government confirmed on Thursday morning that he had submitted his resignation as well. (hina) lml