RACAN: NEW GOVT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH HERAK'S BEING CALLED IN FOR QUESTIONING

ZAGREB, Jan 28 (Hina) - Croatia's Premier Ivica Racan told reporters on Thursday evening that the former Tourism Minister Ivan Herak had been called in for questioning at the Zagreb police department. "I have heard that he was called in and that he is being questioned... I can only confirm that it is true," Racan told the press after last night's working meeting of the new government at the Presidential Palace. Racan's government was appointed at 2 p.m. yesterday, the same time when the outgoing government of Premier Zlatko Matesa, with Herak as Tourism Minister, were relieved of their duties. According to first information, Herak was called in for questioning shortly after 2 p.m. and was still at the police station at 9 p.m. Racan said his government had nothing to do with Herak's being called in for questioning. "We want to be efficient, but the new Government has not been efficient in that regard. The new Government had absolutely nothing to do with Herak's being called in (for questioning)," Racan said when asked whether the arrest had been initiated by the outgoing Interior Minister Ivan Penic or the newly-appointed Sime Lucin. The newly-appointed Interior Minister is gathering information himself, Racan said. It still has not been officially stated why exactly Herak was arrested but it is known that he was called in regarding criminal acts which are prosecuted in the line of duty. Herak's arrest was requested by the Istria County State Attorney's Office in Pula. Racan said he was not familiar with any details regarding the case. "Let me talk about it in a more competent manner when I gather certain information," he said. (hina) rml