HDZ INSISTS ON DEBATE ON CHANGES TO CONSTITUTIONAL LAW ON COOPERATION WITH ICTY

ZAGREB, Oct 11 (Hina) - The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) parliamentary bench decided at a session on Friday to insist on its proposal that the parliament next week discuss changes to the Constitutional Law on Cooperation Between Croatia and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). #L# Party whip Vladimir Seks told reporters the bench insisted that the parliament also discuss a proposal by the Social Liberals (HSLS) that the government be bound to introduce a moratorium on decisions on the hand-over of indictees to the Hague-based tribunal until the Constitutional Court makes a decision on the matter. Seks also believes that the Constitutional Court should be requested to voice its opinion about the constitutionality of indictments against generals Ante Gotovina and Rahim Ademi as it will do "in case of General Janko Bobetko". "We believe that a discussion about these topics will not jeopardise the government's legal efforts before the tribunal nor its political efforts to seek understanding for its position," Seks said. He stated that a serious and well-argumented parliamentary debate would not jeopardise Bobetko's defence but strengthen Croatia's position and his defence. At yesterday's session of the parliament presidency, which was also attended by party whips and Prime Minister Ivica Racan and his deputy Goran Granic, it was decided that the HDZ and the HSLS decide before today's parliamentary sitting if they would continue to insist on their requests. The HSLS did not voice its opinion by the start of the session, which was delayed due to consultations in party benches. The ruling coalition yesterday stated that a debate on the matter would be counter-productive and that there was no sense in discussing changes to the Constitutional Law because that would create an impression that Croatia was distancing itself from dialogue and cooperation with the tribunal. (hina) rml sb