ZAGREB, Oct 10 (Hina) - Party benches in the Croatian parliament on Thursday wrapped up a debate about a proposal by the Social Liberals (HSLS) on changes to the Law on the Rights of War Veterans and Their Families, which the
government advised the parliament not to accept. The Opposition criticised the government for drastically reducing war veterans' rights.
ZAGREB, Oct 10 (Hina) - Party benches in the Croatian parliament on
Thursday wrapped up a debate about a proposal by the Social Liberals
(HSLS) on changes to the Law on the Rights of War Veterans and Their
Families, which the government advised the parliament not to
accept. The Opposition criticised the government for drastically
reducing war veterans' rights. #L#
Responding to criticisms from the Opposition, War Veterans
Minister Ivica Pancic said that many of the veterans' rights
existed only on paper during the rule of the former authorities and
that they were never exercised.
The HDZ supported the changes and asked the government to correct
the mistakes.
The HSLS said that the rights of some categories of disabled war
veterans had been reduced by 45.9 percent, despite the government's
promise that it would not change the rights of veterans with the
highest degree of disability.
The Istrian Democratic Assembly supported the changes but
requested that the same rights be granted to disabled veterans from
World War II.
Libra believes that the government should amend the existing law by
the end of the year and ensure cumulative rights for veterans with
the highest degree of disability. The party also suggested
considering assistance to disabled civilians.
The Social Democrats support the government's opinion but suggest
that it adopt them before a debate on the state budget.
(hina) rml sb