PASALIC CLAIMS DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE IS CONTINUATION OF CAMPAIGN AGAINST HIM

ZAGREB, June 26 (Hina) - Commenting on a decision by the Presidency of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him, HDZ member Ivic Pasalic said on Wednesday evening the decision was the expected continuation of a political campaign against him, headed by Branimir Glavas and Vladimir Seks, while party president Ivo Sanader acted only as their mouthpiece. #L# Party president Sanader said this evening that the party presidency had initiated disciplinary proceedings against Pasalic due to his recent public statements which he said had greatly damaged the party's image. "The Presidency's explanation is totally lame," Pasalic said, adding that it was obvious attempts were being made to oust all party members who did not vote for Sanader. He also claimed that the party was being "de-Tudjmanised". Asked whether he believed he would be excluded from the party, Pasalic said he did not care, because the people behind the decision were not in the majority. "They are planning to form a coalition with Racan and Mesic, while causing internal rifts in the party," he said. Asked what he would do if ousted, Pasalic said he could be ousted but would "always remain in the HDZ". (hina) rml