CORRECTING ITEM HNA1215 HEADLINED "PM COMMENTS ON RULING..."

ZAGREB, March 7 (Hina) - Please note that a mistake has occurred in article HNA1215 headlined "PM COMMENTS ON RULING COALITION'S MEETING". The fourth paragraph should read that Granic headed ONE OF THE THREE government coalition bodies instead of that Granic headed THREE government coalition bodies. The entire article should read: ZAGREB, March 6 (Hina) - The president of the Social Liberals (HSLS), Drazen Budisa, left Wednesday's ruling coalition meeting when the five parties' leaders were defining the tasks he should take over as first deputy prime minister, said the president of the Social Democrats (SDP), Prime Minister Ivica Racan. Budisa left the meeting when the coalition leaders decided he should head the government's coordinating body for internal and foreign affairs, which was headed by First Deputy PM Goran Granic, Racan told reporters. He resolutely refuted claims that he does not want Budisa at the helm of said body and that the ruling coalition made no sense. Racan said Granic headed one of the three government coordinating bodies and that there is no reason why Budisa should not take over the one for internal and foreign affairs. The PM said that, given the scope of Granic's duties, the coalition has to define who will do what, particularly in view of the fact that the government will get two new deputy prime ministers. Granic remains in the government as a representative of the HSLS, Racan said, resolutely dismissing claims that the ruling coalition and the whole nation are hostage to only one man - Goran Granic. Budisa left the coalition meeting less than an hour after it started, without telling reporters his reasons. The president of the Liberal Party (LS), Zlatko Kramaric, told the same press conference he does not believe Budisa's action represents the definite departure of the HSLS from the ruling coalition. The president of the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS), Zlatko Tomcic, said he cannot fathom all the reasons behind Budisa's exit, which he added was very odd. Racan confirmed he and Budisa yesterday agreed that Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic (HSLS) should leave the government in late May, after Croatia has joined the Central European Free Trade Agreement. Racan has said several times the Fizulic issue is unimportant unless someone wants to stir up a conflict within the ruling coalition. Vesna Pusic of the Croatian People's Party (HNS) said Budisa was present when the coalition leaders agreed on five of eight issues. Among these is Racan's refusal of the resignations of all six HSLS government ministers. The exceptions are Transport Minister Alojz Tusek, who leaves at once, and Fizulic, who leaves at the end of May. Fizulic will leave earlier if he makes negative statements against the HSLS. Under today's agreement, Budisa is appointed first deputy prime minister, replacing Granic, who takes the office of deputy prime minister, as a representative of the HSLS. Luka Trconic of the HSS is also appointed deputy prime minister. The coalition leaders also agreed that under the government's Rule Book, one minister from the HNS and one from the LS are appointed to the Cabinet. Each of the five parties has to say if it wants to remain in the ruling coalition, and if so, under what terms in light of the current situation. Each party has to say if it agrees with the government's programme, and define its positions as regards possible changes to the agreement the coalition signed upon coming into power. The deadline for taking positions on said issues is March 10. Racan, Tomcic, Kramaric, and Pusic will say on Monday if the coalition can work with only four parties in case the HSLS turns down the eight issues of today's agreement. (hina) it