RACAN: GOVT RESIGNATION NO END, BUT OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW BEGINNING

ZAGREB, July 5 (Hina) - The resignation of the government is not the end, it is an opportunity for a new beginning, resigned Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said in his address to the television and radio audience on Friday. #L# Explaining the reasons for his resignation, Racan reminded that claims that the coalition was worn out and no longer believed in, as well as that an early election should be held, had started in the coalition itself few weeks ago. The situation culminated last week, when a coalition party blocked the government's work and prevented the parliament from performing its duties, Racan said, adding that such conduct had jeopardised all positive results achieved so far as well as the accomplishment of goals for which the citizens gave their votes to the coalition. "At that moment, I had to say that we can no longer proceed in such a way," Racan said, adding that the fate of Croatian citizens was more important than his or anybody else's political career. "Therefore, I today submitted my resignation as the Prime Minister," he said, adding that he was aware of the seriousness of his decision, but was confident that it was right. The incumbent government will perform their duties in a responsible manner until the set-up of a new government, he said. Racan said that if he received support from the Presidents of the Republic and the Parliament, he would continue working to the benefit of citizens and Croatia. He expressed readiness to contribute to a new, constructive coalition government in another composition. What is happening in Croatia is not a constitutional crisis but the solution of political problems in line with the Croatian Constitution and laws, he said. Croatia is a law-based, peaceful and stable country for its citizens and guests, Racan said, adding the resignation of the government was not the end, but a possible new beginning. (hina) rml