SERB PARTIES WISH TO CONTRIBUTE TO DEMOCRATIC ATMOSPHERE IN CROATIA

PLITVICKA JEZERA, March 16 (Hina) - The US National Democratic Institute for International Relations (NDI) and the Serb People's Council (SNV) held a seminar entitled "Local Elections 2001" at the Plitvice Lakes on Friday. The purpose of the seminar was to prompt Croatian citizens of Serb nationality to more actively participate in Croatia's political and everyday life through the upcoming local elections. This will be a contribution to democracy in Croatia, said Milorad Pupovac, SNV president and president of the Programme Council of the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS). The seminar was attended by SNV representatives and the presidents of some 20 municipal SDSS branches from all over Croatia, mostly from the central regions of Lika and Kordun. NDI representative Sara Jenkins said the organisation wished to emphasise the importance of the upcoming local election in Croatia and added Croatian Serbs could contribute to the development of democratic relations in the country by participating in the election. Speaking about problems regarding the upcoming elections, SDSS and SNV representatives stressed the passivity of the Croatian Serb electorate. They believe it is necessary to revise voters lists and warn about "division in the Serb political corps in Croatia." (hina) rml