SDP, HSS LEADERS ADDRESS MISUNDERSTANDINGS BETWEEN TWO PARTIES

ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - The presidents of the Social Democrats (SDP) and the Croatian Peasant Party (HSS) tried to clarify the misunderstandings between the two ruling coalition partners which were brought to public attention last weekend, a source close to SDP leader Ivica Racan said on Monday. #L# The source said Racan telephoned HSS president Zlatko Tomcic yesterday to assure him that statements made at a recent SDP convention were not made as reported in public, namely that the SDP- HSS conflict had been exaggerated. What turned into an accusation of the HSS had not been said as reported, the Racan source said. Tomcic's reaction to the telephone conversation with Racan is unknown, although sources at the government believe the tensions will be defused. A meeting to be held this week should contribute to that. The date has not been determined yet, nor if the whole coalition or only the SDP and the HSS will convene. Sources at the government confirmed today the HSS did not demand 1.5 billion kuna (EUR200 million) for agribusiness at last Friday's meeting with the SDP. It was only said the realisation of all projects would require said amount, HSS did not demand it, they said. The ruling coalition's regular Monday meeting was not held today due to Tomcic's trip to Hungary. (hina) ha