GRANIC:"I WANT TO BE HONEST AND ADMIT MY DEFEAT"

ZAGREB, Jan 25 (Hina) - The candidate of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Mate Granic, who did not manage to enter the second round of Croatia's presidential ballot, on Tuesday thanked his aides and voters for giving him 566,000 votes. Congratulating the top two contestants of the first round, Stipe Mesic and Drazen Budisa, the HDZ candidate said at a news conference he would leave a decision to his voters for whom they should cast ballots in the second round. Granic told those voters they should opt for one of the two candidates according to their conscience. "I do not want to lament and I would like to be honest and admit my defeat," Granic told reporters adding that during the pre-election campaign he had big problems but succeeded in completing it thanks to great enthusiasm. Granic said he would now commit himself to his duty as member of parliament, and would advocate radical changes in the HDZ, alterations of the party's programme, statute and people. He viewed his party as a modern, people's and European party, moderately conservative and democratic as well without radicalism and a party which would take the social part of Democrat Christians. "If I succeed in it I shall be very contended," Granic told reporters stressing he can see himself only in a modernised HDZ which Croatia needs for the balance on the political scene. "This is my vision and I expect the backing for it, but at the moment I do not know whether I shall succeed in that," Granic said and reiterated this statement answering the question whether he would perhaps establish a new party. He said he did not plan to return to party structures and he remains a member at grassroots level. He added he would make no decision until the General Convention of the party. "If no change happens in the party, I cannot remain in such HDZ that is now, particularly not with those who were against me during the campaign," Granic said adding that upon his nomination as the HDZ candidate some said it would be good if he lost the presidential election. Granic said problems in his campaign were caused by developments in his party and his belated nomination by the HDZ for Croatia's presidential ballot. (hina) mm ms