SOCIAL DEMOCRATS BENCH ANNOUNCES SERIES OF LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES

ZAGREB, Aug 20 (Hina) - The bench of the Social Democrats (SDP), the strongest in Croatia's five-party ruling coalition, on Monday announced activities and initiatives referring to reforms in social, economic, and defence legislation parliament is set to tackle at its autumn sitting. Bench president and deputy parliamentary speaker Mato Arlovic said parliament would debate a large number of topics aimed at providing the foundations for the reform and further development of Croatian economy. Reforms in the economic and social sphere must incite the further development of the economy, investments and employment, and enable the adjustment of social benefits with the possibilities of the economy, said Arlovic. Provisions must also be harmonised with those valid in the European Union, he said. Arlovic announced a reform of the labour and welfare legislation, and the resumption of reforms in the banking and economic sectors, especially in privatisation. A defence reform should expedite access to full-right NATO membership, Arlovic said. The SDP bench insists on forwarding bills on defence and security services into procedure as soon as possible. If they fail to be harmonised, the SDP bench will forward its bill into parliamentary procedure in late October. Arlovic reiterated the SDP's stance that Croatia needs a small and well-trained army, and that military service should be voluntary. Economic development will help resolve social issues, according to Dragica Zgrebec. She said the economy and production had recorded an increase although macroeconomic measures still did not reflect on the citizens' standard. Zgrebec advocated negotiations on trade agreements, especially with neighbours, and parliament's ratification thereof. (hina) ha