POLICEMEN END PROTEST STAGED OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT BUILDING

ZAGREB, July 19 (Hina) - About 400 policemen, who staged a protest outside the government and parliament buildings at 11.30 AM Thursday against the announced layoff of 3,600 Croatian Interior Ministry employees, ended the protest at 13.00 hours before the government voiced its opinion on their requests. Policemen from across Croatia gathered at Zagreb's downtown square to express dissatisfaction over the layoff. They demand the old retirement conditions, namely to be able to retire after ten years in police forces and a total of 25 years of service. In line with the new regulations, 15 years in police forces and 30 years of service are necessary for retirement. The government reconstruction programme includes the lay-off of 3,600 of a total of 29,000 Interior Ministry employees. The programme should be implemented by August 3. Representatives of police trade unions expected the government to receive them for talks and voice its opinion on their demands. Addressing reporters, president of the Croatian Interior Ministry's independent trade union Zdravko Loncar denied newspaper headlines according to which police officers were protesting against low wages. Police trade unions were supported by Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) representatives Ivan Jarnjak and Luka Bebic.