RULING COALITION CONDEMNS PASSING OF ISTRA COUNTY STATUTE

ZAGREB, April 10 (Hina) - Five of the ruling coalition's six parties slammed on Tuesday the Istrian Democratic Assembly's (IDS) steps and conduct in connection with the passing of an Istra County statute, which introduced bilingualism in the northern Adriatic peninsula of Istria. The five parties, which convened for a meeting without the IDS, believe the statute is a rash move directed at winning points at upcoming local elections, Prime Minister Ivica Racan told reporters on Tuesday. They assessed its passing aggravates the situation and polarises relations in Istria, he added. "We believe the move is... politically very bad, detrimental to the interests of Istra's residents," Racan said. He added the ruling coalition would do everything to prevent further aggravation and polarisation. Asked if the statute breached the law and the Constitution, the prime minister said it was to be decided by the Ministry of Justice and Local Self-Government, and the government if the ministry proposed. If the government evaluates there is reason to contest the statute, it will move that the Constitutional Court rule on the matter within the deadline envisaged by law, said Racan. Asked why IDS president Ivan Jakovic did not attend today's meeting, the prime minister said the IDS was still a member of the coalition and that Jakovcic had been invited but apparently could not attend. Besides the IDS, the ruling coalition comprises the Social Democratic Party, the Croatian Social Liberal Party, the Croatian People's Party, the Croatian Peasant Party, and the Liberal Party. (hina) ha