FORMER CRO PRESIDENT'S DAUGHTER FAILS TO SHOW AT COURT HEARING

ZAGREB, May 3 (Hina) - The daughter of former Croatian president, Nevenka Tudjman, and her business assistant Igor Knezevic failed to appear at a Zagreb County Court hearing before investigating judge Boris Ivancic Thursday. The Zagreb Municipal State Prosecutor's Office filed an investigation request against Tudjman and Knezevic. Tudjman is accused of having taken part in illegal mediation business, and Knezevic for the abuse of state office. After the heading, the judge will decide whether there are grounds for an investigation into Nevenka Tudjman and Igor Knezevic. Police and the State Prosecutor's Office have said Nevenka Tudjman used her social position and made it possible for Knezevic to be appointed as the chief expert and official at the Science and Technology Ministry in charge of tenders and telephone exchange installation workers, without a prior public tender or required qualifications. As mediator for the "Alcatel" company, Knezevic influenced nine faculties and two scientific institutions to sign business contracts with the company, and received commission. Through these and similar jobs Knezevic acquired ten million kuna (about US$1.2 million) and paid Nevenka Tudjman more than two million kuna (approximately US$235,000), police claim. Judge Ivancic told reporter the court was not able to serve the summons for today's hearing. (hina) it