ZAGREB, Jan 27 (Hina) - Croatia's newly appointed Premier Ivica Racan told Hina on Thursday it was realistic to expect the government would in the course of this year stop the trend of growing unemployment. "This is our goal, we think
it is realistic, and we will direct all strengths and means to that end," said Racan. Croatia's new prime minister is sure this year could also see a mild economic growth which could become evident over the next two years. "Croatia's economic and democratic stagnation have had their day. I am an optimist and have great hope in our future," Racan asserted. He announced the new government would present parliament's House of Representatives with its economic programme on February 9. The programme will be both stabilisation- and development-oriented, Racan said. He announced the government would first endeavour to curb the economic and social crisis and alre
ZAGREB, Jan 27 (Hina) - Croatia's newly appointed Premier Ivica
Racan told Hina on Thursday it was realistic to expect the
government would in the course of this year stop the trend of
growing unemployment.
"This is our goal, we think it is realistic, and we will direct all
strengths and means to that end," said Racan.
Croatia's new prime minister is sure this year could also see a mild
economic growth which could become evident over the next two
years.
"Croatia's economic and democratic stagnation have had their day. I
am an optimist and have great hope in our future," Racan asserted.
He announced the new government would present parliament's House of
Representatives with its economic programme on February 9. The
programme will be both stabilisation- and development-oriented,
Racan said.
He announced the government would first endeavour to curb the
economic and social crisis and already this year through complex
measures show the movement trend is more positive than in the past.
Racan however believes success is possible only if the judiciary,
employers, and trade unions, and not only the government and
parliament, contribute to changes.
Croatia's new prime minister also believes the former Opposition's
victory at January 3 parliamentary elections marks the beginning of
a new age in Croatia's relations with the world, with Europe in
particular.
"We have little time, because the iron must be struck while it's
hot," said Racan, adding Croatia's prospects to accelerate its
access to the European Union were great.
Racan denied that the new government would request the
reprogramming of the external debt. "I will say this very clearly,
we do not want debt-reprogramming, but to resolve the current
crisis via new arrangements and investments." He said his plan was
feasible already this year.
Racan believes Croatia must at once deliver quality programmes to
be given funds necessary for new jobs.
Croatia's policy towards Bosnia-Herzegovina will be unambiguously
directed at the neighbouring country's integrity, with further
protection of Bosnian Croats' interests, the premier said.
He confirmed the new government would respect all international
commitments undertaken by the former authorities and cooperate
with The Hague war crimes tribunal, while simultaneously
preserving national interests.
(hina) ha mm