ROHATINSKI: SPECULATIONS ABOUT PBZ & SPLITSKA BANKA NOT TRU

ZAGREB, April 15 (Hina) - It is true that speculation about problems in some banks was mentioned at a meeting of the ruling five-party coalition and the leadership of the Croatian National Bank (HNB) on April 9, however, only in the context of confirming that all financial institutions should enhance their control mechanisms. No-one at the time drew any comparison between the 'Rijecka Banka affair' and some other banks, HNB Governor Zeljko Rohatinski stated on Monday. #L# Commenting on headlines in Monday's press about alleged irregularities in the Commercial Bank Zagreb (PBZ) and Splitska Banka at a general assembly of PBZ stockholders, Rohatinski stressed that "these speculations have not been backed by any arguments and they are not trustworthy". As such, they are being used in the wrong context and their being made public serves somebody's interest, he added. Regardless of all the speculation, according to Rohatinski, the banking system is stable, strong and able to resist any blows, particularly those of a criminal nature. Interest rates are low, the kuna exchange rate is stable and savings have remained in banks, he said, adding that the PBZ was one of the pillars of that system, which he said could be seen in the bank's 2001 business results. As far as Rijecka Banka is concerned, matters are absolutely clear, Rohatinski believes. What occurred was a criminal act and it will be completely investigated and those responsible disclosed, he said. It is vital that the timely action of the government and HNB halted the crisis in the bank and that the bank's clients and tax payers were not damaged, he added. (hina) sp rml sp rml