IDS WILL SUPPORT RULING FIVE PARTY COALITION

ZAGREB, June 14 (Hina) - The Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) and I intent to continue supporting the government in all initiatives which will make it possible for Croatia to move closer to European associations, and I expect the ruling five-party coalition to confirm that the existence of the Ministry for European Integrations is founded, IDS president Ivan Jakovcic said today in the wake of his resignation to the post of European Integrations Minister. Asked to assess how long the ruling five would last, Jakovcic said as a member of parliament he intends to support the government along with his party, as long as it is on a reform course. "I would like the coalition to be sustainable, but I am aware that it is burdened by a number of problems. If a formula for it continuing its work is found, we will support it in any case," Jakovcic said. Reporters wanted to know whether his party would be a part of any coalitions in the future. "I am not leaving the government and the European Integrations Ministry to disappear, but to return some day. I think it is necessary to give a political reply to the Croatian Block, and this could only be done by parties from centre to the left. I believe Prime Minister Ivica Racan and the Social Democratic Party have a big role here. The IDS does not have to be in this coalition, but certainly belongs in the circle by profile," Jakovcic stressed. (hina) lml sb