ZAGREB, Nov 26 (Hina) - Even though we cannot be satisfied with the current situation, there are indications that Croatia is leaving a recession, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic told Croatian Radio Monday. Speaking about a draft
state budget for 2002, Mesic said it was socially sensitive, but new jobs had to be opened. Privatisation receipts must be invested in the production, and not used to cover expenditures, as has been the case so far, he added. Not even 80 percent of the pre-war production has been achieved yet, and the government needs to take measures which will accelerate the opening of new jobs, said Mesic, adding one possibility was opening customs free zones. Mesic believes this could provide employment for up to 30,000 workers. He warned Croatia lacked good programmes and adequate legislation which could attract foreign investors. Asked about the possibility of an early parliamentary election,
ZAGREB, Nov 26 (Hina) - Even though we cannot be satisfied with the
current situation, there are indications that Croatia is leaving a
recession, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic told Croatian Radio
Monday.
Speaking about a draft state budget for 2002, Mesic said it was
socially sensitive, but new jobs had to be opened.
Privatisation receipts must be invested in the production, and not
used to cover expenditures, as has been the case so far, he added.
Not even 80 percent of the pre-war production has been achieved yet,
and the government needs to take measures which will accelerate the
opening of new jobs, said Mesic, adding one possibility was opening
customs free zones.
Mesic believes this could provide employment for up to 30,000
workers. He warned Croatia lacked good programmes and adequate
legislation which could attract foreign investors.
Asked about the possibility of an early parliamentary election,
Mesic said that option was possible in democratic societies if a
party was not implementing the programme on the basis of which it
had won the election.
Speaking about relations between the Church and the state, Mesic
said they should not have been brought to fever pitch. The Church
has the right and duty to point to problems in the society, and one
should not get angry if it states certain facts. That should prompt
the government to change the existing situation with which many are
dissatisfied, he said. He added that a recent bishops' message did
not state that criticisms were directed exclusively at the
incumbent government.
Commenting on the case of Ante Gotovina, an indictee of the Hague
war crimes tribunal at large, Mesic said Gotovina should defend his
honour and dignity before the tribunal. Thus he would also
facilitate the defence of general Rahim Ademi, who has surrendered
voluntarily to the tribunal, he said.
Commenting on an upcoming visit of Slovene President Milan Kucan to
Croatia, Mesic said it would be an opportunity to discuss open
questions, including demarcation in Piran Bay.
(hina) sb rml