CROATIAN GOVERNMENT IN SESSION IN SPLIT

SPLIT, Oct 11 (Hina) - Croatia's government commenced a session in the biggest coastal city of Split at 11.00 am Thursday, with a discussion on plans for the construction of the Zagreb-Split motorway. Premier Ivica Racan estimates the highway should be built in the next three years and cost about three billion German marks. The government is going to consider the modernisation of railway lines linking the Croatian capital and Split and consider results of the tourist season. After the session ministers will consider a project called AFCO referring to investment in and building of tourist facilities in downtown Split. Prior to the session in the villa 'Dalmacija', about 300 war veterans gathered in front of the villa protesting against the current government's policy. About 80 workers of a local company which employs disabled persons, also held a protest rally in front of the building. Commenting on the rallies, prior to the start of the session, PM Racan said Croatia was a democratic country where everybody had the right to express their stands and opinions, but nobody had the right to insult people who came to power after being elected in a democratic ballot. (hina) ms