FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TALKS TO CATHOLIC INFORMATION AGENCY

ZAGREB, Nov 21 (Hina) - First Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic said in an interview to the Catholic Information Agency on Wednesday the Croatian bishops' recent message regarding the current social situation in Croatia contains "harsh assessments, such as that the government won the elections on false promises and that it was asocial". Asserting these were "political assessments", Granic stated this was the language "used by political parties". "I believe entering this area is quite dangerous because it can be easily identified with political messages, which gives another dimension to the entire issue", said Granic and added the Church has an undisputed duty and responsibility to "fight for social justice and the social status of citizens". "The government's reaction to (that) quite strong message, which is a condemnation and not an accusation, was strong too", Granic said. He expressed hope that the government would hold talks with the Croatian Bishops' Conference Permanent Council. He stressed "this government does not want to discontinue dialogue with any group, especially not with the Church". Granic confirmed his statement was "a public and indirect offer, which has already been made" prior to Thursday's session of the Permanent Council. Granic also said the Church must not put itself in a situation in which political parties might abuse it. With regard to a law on religious communities, Granic said it would come into first reading within several days, and that its passing was expected at the beginning of 2002. (hina) np sb