NEW RULING COALITION CRISIS ON THE WAY?

ZAGREB, March 5 (Hina) - The ruling coalition's crisis seemed to be over after the president of the Social Democrats, Ivica Racan, said on Tuesday the five parties' leaders had reached an agreement on personnel changes in the government. Only three hours later, however, unofficial sources close to the parties said the crisis has not been overcome and that things are tangled up again. A well-informed source said, on condition of anonymity, that Racan wrongly interpreted Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic's departure from the government. In line with an agreement reached at today's coalition meeting, Racan was to say only that he accepted the resignation of two ministers from the Social Liberals (HSLS), Fizulic and Transport Minister Alojz Tusek, the source said. Racan, however, added that Fizulic might stay until Croatia signed free trade agreements with several countries and joined the Central European Free Trade Agreement. Racan said this might occur by the end of May. According to the same source, Racan said that Goran Granic should remain first deputy prime minister as a representative of the HSLS. Racan's statement was arbitrary and contrary to the coalition leaders' agreement, the source added. Earlier today, HSLS president Drazen Budisa allegedly demanded that Fizulic leave the government at once. Budisa said Fizulic had broken an agreement with the party that mutual accusations would stop. Budisa also allegedly reproached Racan for wrongly interpreting the conclusions reached at today's coalition meeting and ignoring his demand in connection with Fizulic. Thus, the situation got tangled up again and there can be no talk about the crisis being over, the source said. It added that the talks would resume on Wednesday afternoon. (hina) ha sb