ZAGREB, Jan 29 (Hina) - Being a guest in a talk-show of a local radio station, Croatia's Prime Minister, Ivica Racan, on Monday was asked to comment on President Mesic's statement that not all of the transcripts produced during the
term of office of the late President, Franjo Tudjman, should be transferred into the State Archive and that the documentation belonged to the Office of the President. Racan responded that he would meet President Mesic on Tuesday and "talk about it." "That's why I do not want to polemize about it via the press. I am going to talk with President Mesic and try, in my own style, to solve the problem," Racan was quoted by the radio as saying. He reiterated he did not want to contribute to the creation of unnecessary conflicts. "But, the democratic Croatia must learn that people belonging to the same political party do not think in the same manner about everything.... let alone people in
ZAGREB, Jan 29 (Hina) - Being a guest in a talk-show of a local radio
station, Croatia's Prime Minister, Ivica Racan, on Monday was asked
to comment on President Mesic's statement that not all of the
transcripts produced during the term of office of the late
President, Franjo Tudjman, should be transferred into the State
Archive and that the documentation belonged to the Office of the
President.
Racan responded that he would meet President Mesic on Tuesday and
"talk about it."
"That's why I do not want to polemize about it via the press. I am
going to talk with President Mesic and try, in my own style, to solve
the problem," Racan was quoted by the radio as saying.
He reiterated he did not want to contribute to the creation of
unnecessary conflicts.
"But, the democratic Croatia must learn that people belonging to
the same political party do not think in the same manner about
everything.... let alone people in different parties and holding
different offices. Our dialogue is necessary, we do not have to
think the same about everything and one should not make a mountain
out of a molehill when differences appear...," the PM said.
Asked whether he agreed with Mesic that a part of documents, which
could prove criminal acts committed by politicians and other public
figures, should not be archived, Racan replied that it was normal
that they were not going to store in the State Archive documents
which could be used in investigations, regardless of whether such
transcripts could help bring more light about cases of crime,
plunder or war crimes.
The decree which the Government has recently adopted about this
transfer, envisages the establishment of a commission whose task is
to deal with such material. This has never been disputable, Racan
stressed.
Speaking about the media's criticism about his Cabinet's work,
Racan said "he accepts every kind of criticism but the one which
respects the fact from where we (the incumbent Government)
started."
I have not come in conflict with the media and reporters but I oppose
the feeling of desperation incited among people who are being told
that our life has no prospects, the PM said.
Racan was optimistic about Croatia's historic chances, and called
on the media to help the country to stop teetering on the brink.
(hina) sb ms