RACAN: SABOR MAY APPOINT NEW MINISTERS AS EARLY AS THURSDAY

ZAGREB, March 20 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said on Wednesday parliament could appoint two new ministers as early as tomorrow if his talks with Drazen Budisa on candidates for the vacated ministerial posts finished tonight or by noon tomorrow. #L# Addressing reporters after a meeting of four parties of the ruling colition at the government building, Racan said he would be able to say more once he knew the outcome of today's meeting of the Executive Council of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS). The HSLS Executive Council, a high party body, is in session discussing consent for the Racan-Budisa agreement. In case no agreement on personnel changes was reached, Racan said, the coalition would adopt decisions with a two-thirds majority vote (as envisaged by the recently amended coalition agreement). The prime minister refused to comment on speculation about the new government ministers. He confirmed that the leaders of the coalition parties today reaffirmed their agreement with the government programme and that a document to that effect would be signed. One signature is missing - that of Vesna Pusic, president of the Croatian People's Party (HNS), who is away on a business trip, but agrees with the programme. In the document the coalition states its commitment to continuing with the current reforms, e.g. the reform of the defence system and the pension and health insurance sectors, as well as to launch reforms in the education and justice system. The coalition leaders discussed other issues as well, including the situation in the banking system and a bid for the privatisation of the Croatia Insurance company. Some stands have been adopted but there will be more discussion about everything at tomorrow's session, Racan said. (hina) sb rml