DJAPIC ADVOCATES 'LEAST PAINFUL PATH' TOWARD EUROPE

SLAVONSKI BROD, Jan 17 (Hina) - Anto Djapic, presidential candidate of the Croatian Party of Rights/Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HSP/HKDU) on Monday called on citizens to vote for him "as the only presidential candidate who is not promising the sun and the moon, but rather dignity, realistic progress, and prosperity of the Croatian society." Addressing an electoral rally in Slavonski Brod, Djapic said the basic difference between him, Budisa, Mesic, and Granic, as the most serious candidates, was their "understanding of strategic questions which are important for Croatia." If he was elected president, Djapic said he would support the development of economy and the establishment of political stability in the country as well as "choose the least painful path toward Europe and NATO." Djapic opposes any form of regionalism as well as the return of Serb refugees. What he advocates is the implementation of lustration and reconsidering cooperation with the Hague Tribunal. Presidential powers do not have to be reduced but rather correctly consumed, Djapic said, supporting referendum on all issues which are important for the Croatian people and state. "They say I am a radical and extremist, which is not true. I want to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Sanctions will certainly not be imposed on Croatia because of me, but I also believe that nothing can be achieved with a lame and passive diplomacy," Djapic said. (hina) mm rml