POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS COMMENT ON GOVERNMENT'S DECISION

ZAGREB, July 8 (Hina) - Commenting on Saturday's decision of the government to act in accordance with the ICTY's request and hand over indictees to this UN war crimes court, Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS) Vice-President Luka Trconic, said on late last night that in his mind, "it has been the only possible (decision,) as it is about the enforcement of the existing, valid constitutional law on the cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal."#L# "So, the law has not practically been changed and it must be implemented such as it is," Trconic was quoted by the Croatian Television as saying. The leader of this party, which is in the ruling coalition, reminded, that "the notion of the commanding responsibility - such as regulated in Article 7 of the ICTY's Statute - is something which is actually not completely in concordance with our (Croatian) penal code." The fact is that the ICTY's Statute is above international penal code, which is based on different principles from those in national penal codes, and one important fact should also be taken into consideration that we in the Croatian parliament (Sabor) have adopted the constitutional law on the cooperation and the principles incorporated in that act, Trconic added. Liberal Party (LS) President Zlatko Kramaric said that "since the very start in this matter (the indictments), LS has maintained a clear stand. We are bound by the law on the cooperation with the Hague Tribunal, passed by the previous composition of the Sabor, and I do not think that there is any possibility for departing from any element of that constitutional law." In addition, we are bound by international agreements which Croatia has signed as a full UN member, Kramaric said adding that his party was aware that this was a very delicate moment for the country. "We in the LS are also aware of all possible implications, but it is also clear that citizens of this country cannot be hostage of any name," LS leader said. Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) Vice-President Damir Kajin said the IDS had no dilemma and Zagreb must cooperate with the Tribunal, otherwise the country would be pushed into isolation. According to Kajin, it is tragic that (in Croatia) people are not punished who are far more responsible, because of their failure to do something, for some events, particularly in Bosnia-Herzegovina or for cases of arson in the wake of the "Storm" operation. Such persons will not be processed but soldiers will be (processed) and this is not fair as well, Kajin said. HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) Secretary-General Joso Skara was quoted by the Croatian Television as saying that the HDZ opposed such a decision of the government. We are disappointed with the decision and believe it will have serious consequences for the unity of the Croatian national being. This decision has paved the way for the criminalisation of the Homeland Defence War and caused incalculable damage. The HDZ has asked for a parliamentary debate so that national consensus might be reached on the preservation of the basic Croatian national values and interests and the dignity of the Homeland Defence War protected, Skara said. Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) President Anto Djapic said "he was personally very surprised at the reaction of the Government, which, nevertheless, decided to hand over Croatian generals to the Tribunal." However, the fact that a parliamentary session will be held gives hope and chance that the Sabor will vote for no confidence in the government and thus prevent the extradition. Djapic added that it was now unclear whether the indictees were already on the way to The Hague or whether the Ivica Racan Cabinet would wait for the confidence vote. For the HSP leader it would be irresponsible and cowardly to hand over people at least until the Croatian parliament takes a position on the confidence in the government. Democratic Centre (DC) Vice-President Vesna Skare Ozbolt said the government's decision should have a test in the parliament in view of the fact that she and the entire Croatian public knows nothing about the contents of the indictment and whether it is about the commanding responsibility or about something quite different. The decision is very serious and it would be good if the government inform fully the Croatian parliament and the public about the indictment and the written objection to it. Only after the Sabor makes a decision, the government can act in line with such decision, Skare-Ozbolt said. (hina) ms