PM SAYS COALITION MEETING FOCUSED ON PROGRAMME AGREEMENT

ZAGREB, March 5 (Hina) - The president of the Social Democrats (SDP), Prime Minister Ivica Racan, said on Tuesday today's meeting of the ruling coalition's five parties focused on the degree of agreement with the government's programme. "The strength of the coalition depends on how much agreement there is about its programme," Racan said, adding he was glad the meeting gave precedence to this issue over personnel changes. Racan confirmed that the personnel change proposals made today disrupted the agreement the coalition reached after coming into power. The leaders of the five parties have to take a position on the matter by the end of the week. Under the proposal, Drazen Budisa would replace Goran Granic as first deputy prime minister, while Granic would stay on as a deputy prime minister. Both officials are from the ranks of the Social Liberals (HSLS). Luka Trconic of the Croatian Peasants' Party would also be appointed deputy prime minister. PM Racan said he would turn down the resignations of government ministers from the HSLS, with two exceptions. These are Transport Minister Alojz Tusek, who was ousted from the HSLS several months ago, and Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic, whose resignation will become effective after Croatia signs free trade agreements with several countries and joins the Central European Free Trade Agreement. It has also been proposed that two government officials from the Croatian People's Party and the Liberal Party should also attend sessions of the Racan Cabinet. Racan said it was important to resume and more conscientiously implement strategic projects and reforms of the defence, pension, health, power supply, justice, and agricultural sectors. After talking to reporters, Racan returned to the coalition meeting. There will be no statements for the media afterwards. (hina) ha sb