ROAD BLOCKS CAUSING ENORMOUS DAMAGE - SAYS OFFICIAL

ZAGREB, Feb 10 (Hina) - A transport ministry spokesperson said on Saturday the current road blocks in Croatia, organised by various Homeland Defence War associations in protest against an arrest warrant for retired general Mirko Norac, were causing enormous short- and long-term damage to the economy. The Dalmacija-cement, TLM, AD Plastik and Adriavinil companies, shipyards in Split, Trogir and Sibenik, and the state oil company INA are some of the larger enterprises whose business will be obstructed by the road blocks, said spokeswoman Marina Haluzan. Between 280 and 300 cargo vehicles transporting 5,500-6,000 tonnes of goods worth 54 million kuna ($6.5 million) pass along the blocked roads each week, she said. The damage in passenger transport may be estimated at a weekly nine million kuna ($1.08m), she added. The spokeswoman stressed the latest developments were ruining all attempts and investments made for the preparation of next summer's tourist season, in which 90 million kuna ($10.08m) have been invested thus far. The long-term consequences for tourism, one of Croatia's key economy branches, and the negative long-term effect on possible permanent investments are immeasurable, Haluzan said in a statement. (hina) ha