CITY OF ZAGREB ACT ADOPTED BY CROATIAN PARLIAMENT

ZAGREB, July 11 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament adopted the City of Zagreb Act by a majority vote on Wednesday, thus ending a two-week dispute between the government and the parliamentary Committee for the Constitution, Rule Book and Political System over the government's competence to relieve the capital's mayor of duty. The parliament adopted government's amendments, including one whereby the government may appoint an administration commissioner in Zagreb for a period of six months if its decisions are not executed. The parliament voted on these amendments separately which is not common practice since government's amendments are incorporated in laws without discussion and voting. Two weeks ago parliament was divided over the government's capacity under the bill to dissolve the Zagreb City Assembly if the latter refuses to relieve the mayor from his duties. Backing the bill, the government had pointed to Zagreb's particular status, as both city and county, which makes the mayor an immediate state official. Should the government be denied the right to sanction the mayor, the function of the government city administration becomes questionable, the government had said. The members of the parliamentary Committee for Constitution, Rule Book and Political System objected, stressing the bill contradicted the constitutional right to local self-government. It was also said the government must not have the option to dissolve the City Assembly elected at local polls. (hina) np ha