ZAGREB, June 15 (Hina) - The National Committee of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) on Saturday relieved of duty the head of a party foundation, Ivica Pasalic, and party secretary-general Joso Skara, HDZ president Ivo Sanader told
reporters.
ZAGREB, June 15 (Hina) - The National Committee of the Croatian
Democratic Union (HDZ) on Saturday relieved of duty the head of a
party foundation, Ivica Pasalic, and party secretary-general Joso
Skara, HDZ president Ivo Sanader told reporters. #L#
The president of the Karlovac County party branch, Branko Vukelic,
was appointed HDZ secretary-general, while Vlado Kurecic, vice-
president of Petrijanec municipality in Varazdin County, was
appointed his deputy. Nevio Setic was appointed acting head of the
party foundation.
As of today, the foundation bears the name of the first Croatian
president and party founder, Dr. Franjo Tudjman, said Sanader,
reminding about Tudjman's contribution to the establishment of an
independent and internationally recognised Croatia and defence
from aggression.
The HDZ is the only alternative to the ruling coalition and with new
people it will show that it is ready to assume responsibility for
leading the state, Sanader said, announcing that the party was
starting electoral preparations.
He also said that there were no indications that the decisions of
the National Committee would not be respected, adding that 55
Committee members voted for and 37 against Pasalic's replacement.
Sanader said he had proposed Pasalic's replacement because he
believed that Pasalic had used his post to conduct a parallel party
policy.
Vladimir Seks was appointed vice-president of the National
Committee, Ivana Sucec Trakostanec was appointed Committee
secretary, and Bozo Biskupic was appointed editor of the party's
bulletin.
The HDZ leader said that the National Committee would today also
discuss the situation in the party's branch in Sibenik County and
preparations for the upcoming elections.
Ahead of the 13th anniversary of the party's foundation, Sanader
unveiled a statue of the first Croatian president and party
founder, Franjo Tudjman. Speaking about Tudjman, Sanader condemned
attempts to vilify and discredit Tudjman and his family.
Former party secretary-general Skara said that today's session of
the party's National Committee had seen an act of violence against
the law and that the situation in the party as of today was no longer
the same.
Pasalic said he would comment on today's events at a press
conference on Monday.
The session of the National Committee is held under increased
security measures. Securing the event are members of the same
agency that secured the party's seventh general convention in April
this year.
(hina) rml