DRAFT CONS. CHANGES NOT TO TACKLE TERM OF OFFICE OF COURTS' PRESIDENTS

ZAGREB, March 26 (Hina) - By the announced adoption of a constitutional law on the implementation of the Constitution, terms of office of presidents of courts will not (automatically) cease, in contrast to previous speculations. Leaders of the Croatian six parties that make up the ruling coalition, on Monday evening held a four-hour-long meeting at which they decided that the said issue should not be solved within constitutional changes but within amendments to laws on courts. The Constitutional Law will retain provisions referring to the expiry of the term of office of the President of the Supreme Court and members of the State Judicial Council (DSV). "We believe that in this way we shall reach better solutions," Premier Ivica Racan said after the meeting. In his mind, there were ridiculous accusations about 'purges' planned to be launched by the executive authorities in relation to court presidents. PM Racan declined to comment on allegations that the Constitutional Court would rule that the draft constitutional law was contrary to the Constitution, if it was adopted in line with the current procedure. "The Constitutional Court is independent in making decisions," Racan asserted. (hina) ms