RACAN ANNOUNCES RECONSTRUCTION OF GOVERNMENT

ZAGREB, May 21 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan said today the issue of reconstructing the government will come up on the agenda after the formation of local governments, in a week or two. He added both the ruling parties and the opposition should learn from yesterday's local elections. On Croatian Radio's broadcast "How the Government Reigns", Racan dismissed assessments that the results of local elections point to a polarisation of the country, adding such a polarisation would be detrimental to Croatia. He said he saw the electoral results as a message from citizens that it is necessary to implement changes more resolutely, with as less conflicts and bickering as possible. Although the results of local elections are not as yet final, the prime minister holds that they have confirmed the strength of some parties in the coalition and the opposition, primarily the power of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Racan is confident that despite the results, the HDZ will in many areas be the opposition, should the parties in the ruling coalition reach an agreement on the formation of local governments. (hina) lml sb