GRANIC: GOVT DISMISSES ASSESSMENTS THAT IT HAS DECEIVED CRO. PEOPLE

ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - The government dismisses assessments that it has deceived the Croatian people, that it is social insensitive and corrupted, Croatian first Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic said in the parliament on Wednesday when asked whether the government's reply to the bishops' statement was overhasty and wrong. The bishops' message points to a difficult social situation and high unemployment rate which affects many citizens. The message also points to excessive expectations from democratic changes, which they say are not enough to solve problems, and to easily given, unrealistic promises to voters which have exacerbated the disappointment with and mistrust of the state and its institutions. Reacting to the statement, the government stressed it was surprised at the "opinions' vehemence, superficiality, and lack of objectivity." In its statement, the government voiced its concern at the "closeness of the (HBK) views and those of some opposition parties and radical political groups." Granic reiterated in the parliament today that the government was opened to dialogue (with the Church), and that it had been calling for dialogue but not through a public controversy. The Church, he stresses, as well as any other institution must be aware that it is not untouchable if it makes public statements about secular issues. The issue about the government's harsh reaction to the bishops' statement today in the parliament was raised by Anto Kovacevic of the Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HKDU). (hina) it