HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ENDS DEBATE ON "USKOK"

ZAGREB, March 22 (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament's House of Representatives on Thursday ended a discussion on the founding of the Office for the Prevention of Corruption and Organised Crime (USKOK). MPs of the ruling six-party coalition endorsed the establishment of USKOK saying a well-organised institution which would effectively fight high-profile and well-organised crime. It was also suggested that the law on the issue should be appendixed with provisions with the aim of protecting human rights. Representatives of the largest opposition party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) held that the moved competence of the USKOK overstep the frames of the Constitution and the overall legal order, and could cause legal and personal insecurity with citizens. "The HDZ supports the fight against corruption and organised crime, but not at the cost of violating the constitutional and legal order and the undermining the achieved protection of human rights," Mintas Hodak of the HDZ said. MPs of the Democratic Centre party also voiced their opposition to the violation of human rights. The Lower House is expected to vote on the matter tomorrow. (hina) lml sb