ZAGREB, July 3 (Hina) - Defence Minister Jozo Rados of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) said on Wednesday he supported the coalition government due to deep disagreements with the HSLS.
ZAGREB, July 3 (Hina) - Defence Minister Jozo Rados of the Croatian
Social Liberal Party (HSLS) said on Wednesday he supported the
coalition government due to deep disagreements with the HSLS. #L#
Talking to reporters after parliament approved a deal with Slovenia
on the nuclear power plant at Krsko, Rados said the HSLS policy was
harmful and that the fate of the government was more important than
that of his party.
After a lack of quorum last Friday, parliament today managed to
ratify the Krsko deal even without the support of most MPs from the
ruling coalition's HSLS.
Rados said he supported the opinion of the six HSLS MPs who voted for
the ratification, maintaining, however, that "unfortunately, it is
no longer important if I, too, will be ousted from the party for
supporting the government."
Stating that he could not speak on behalf of the other HSLS
ministers, he assumed they, too, would support the government.
Rados said he would support the government regardless of his
remaining in the executive authority if a minority government was
formed.
The current HSLS policy can only disturb the rhythm of changes the
government is implementing, and early elections would be
detrimental, he said.
Asked if due to the coalition rift Prime Minister Ivica Racan had
offered him to stay in the government, Rados answered in the
negative. He said that if the offer was made he would stay, provided
there was enough support at all important positions.
(hina) ha sb