CRO TOP OFFICIALS AND POLITICIANS TO CONSIDER RELATIONS WITH ICTY

ZAGREB, Jan 14 (Hina) - Leaders of six parties, which constitute the ruling coalition in Croatia, on Sunday afternoon began a meeting in the Government's offices in Zagreb to discuss the relations between Croatia and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) ahead of tomorrow's arrival of ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte in Zagreb. According to unofficial reports, at this closed meeting, Premier Ivica Racan is going to inform his partners about the Government's strategy on the ties with the Tribunal, and arguments which government officials will present at the talks with del Ponte. As regards war crimes, last week the Ivica Racan Cabinet assessed that it was necessary that a special department or office of the state prosecution be established to process war crimes perpetrators. The Government is not satisfied with what police and judicial institutions have so far done in establishing and processing crimes committed during and in the wake of the Homeland Defence War. Upon the session of the ruling six parties' representatives, Premier Racan is expected to hold a meeting with President Stjepan Mesic. According to unconfirmed information, present at that meeting will be Justice Minister Stjepan Ivanisevic, and First Deputy Premier Goran Granic, a key person in charge of cooperation with the ICTY. (hina) ms