SANADER: HDZ'S VICTORY AT LOCAL ELECTIONS HAS SHAKEN COALITION

ZAGREB, June 18 (Hina) - Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) president Ivo Sandar on Monday said the HDZ's victory at local elections "has shaken the coalition," adding the electoral victory was the result of the party's re-gaining credibility and reputation. The HDZ was open for cooperation and talks with all parties, particularly those with similar political programme, but not with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Croatian People's Party (HNS), because those parties have different political orientation. Speaking of the political and economic situation in the country, Sanader said "we are entering the period of a very unstable government burdened with dreadful arguments." In his opinion, the HDZ is on the best path to, along with coalition partners, takes the responsibility for the country. The HDZ does not care about power, for the sake of power, but for cooperation for the sake of common good, Sanader said thanking the parties of the ruling coalition for attending Sunday's sixth assembly, particulalry the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) and the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS). Sanader said those parties showed openness for future cooperation by attending the HDZ assembly. "This is not the announcement of state coalitions, but the fact is that in many towns and municipalities the HDZ is forming a coalition with those parties," Sanader said. Commenting on the fact that the HDZ failed to invite the SDP and the HNS to attend yesterday's assembly, Sanader said it was a custom in Europe not to invite parties of different political orientation to party conventions. At yesterday's assembly, the HDZ offered to citizens a political and economic resolution aiming at promoting and protecting national and state interest Sanader said. After good electoral results and the support of sister parties from Europe, the HDZ is additionally motivated for the future work, Sanader stressed. (hina) it