SDP LEADER RACAN: PARTY MEMBERS SUPPORT LEADERSHIP

TUHELJSKE TOPLICE, Nov 9 (Hina) - Addressing reporters during a break at Saturday's annual party meeting, the leader of the Social Democrats (SDP), Ivica Racan, said party members had supported the leadership, however, they also urged better communication within the party. #L# Racan said that participants in the meeting had spoken critically about the performance of the ruling coalition, however, he believed that the SDP, as the strongest partner, had to shoulder more responsibility than other parties. He dismissed speculation about an early election, adding that the SDP wanted ?he government mandate to be implemented fully. Speaking about union claims on strikes in public companies, Racan said the government was ready for talks with the unions, but it would not accept threats and requests for non-existent budgetary funds. The same goes for the shipyard "Viktor Lenac", he said. A member of the party presidency, Slavko Linic, said that the shipyard unionists had better solve problems through recapitalisation instead of seeking loans. Racan said that problems in the Sisak Ironworks would not be solved through politics but with the help of a strategic partner and a market for company products. Asked about the possible discontinuation of the European Union's assistance due to Croatia's non-cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal at The Hague, which has been announced by the European Parliament, Racan said it was time to direct such questions to those who were jeopardising national interests and trying to topple the incumbent government by manipulating the case of General Janko Bobetko. "This government will not lead Croatia into a conflict with the EU and isolation," Racan said, adding he hoped that citizens were on his side. He described as positive Admiral Davor Domazet's decision to agree to be interviewed by the tribunal's investigators. A truthful interpretation of Croatia's recent past and the Homeland War must be fought for, even before the Hague-based tribunal, he said, calling those who were hampering such efforts pharisees. Party vice-president Mato Arlovic said that the meeting also tackled efforts to maintain "upward trends in the economy". Economic indicators should be presented so that citizens do not have the impression that their living standards are lower than in 1999, he said, adding that the SDP wanted to implement the government mandate in full with its partners, but not at any cost. The head of the party's head committee, Gordana Sobol, said the committee would hold a session tonight instead of tomorrow as previously announced. (hina) rml