ZAGREB, Jan 28 (Hina) - The Croatian Government led by Prime Minister Ivica Racan held its first session in Zagreb on Friday. Racan pointed out the new Government's firm commitment to fulfilling promises it had given before the
election, particularly promises concerning a programme of economic, political and social changes, and added this would be done in cooperation with the Croatian National Sabor and the President of the Republic.
ZAGREB, Jan 28 (Hina) - The Croatian Government led by Prime
Minister Ivica Racan held its first session in Zagreb on Friday.
Racan pointed out the new Government's firm commitment to
fulfilling promises it had given before the election, particularly
promises concerning a programme of economic, political and social
changes, and added this would be done in cooperation with the
Croatian National Sabor and the President of the Republic. #L#
The recovery from the economic and social crisis as well as the
cooperation with Europe and the world were cited as the
Government's long-term priorities, while the tasks which this
composition of the government would immediately carry out, should
be the work on a state budget and the proposal of the Government's
programme which is to be presented to the national parliament in the
beginning of next month when a vote of confidence in the new
Government should be held, Racan said.
Speaking on behalf of the members of this government, he said they
were aware that they would have hard task and Racan called on all who
bear a part of responsibility in helping country to get out of the
economic and political crisis to do his job well. The Croatian
Government calls on all who can and want to help - institutions,
employers and trade unions, Racan said in this context.
The new Premier expressed the stand of government members that they
would succeed in performing their duties despite problems.
At the first session, the Government considered draft acts as
regards the structure of the government, for instance, alterations
of the law on government, organisation and scopes of activities of
ministries and salaries of state officials.
The Government is going to propose to the Sabor to cut by 40 percent
salaries of the President of the Republic and of officials of the
Sabor and Government.
Vlatko Pavletic, Croatia's acting President, on Thursday appointed
Racan as Prime Minister.
Friday's session was the first to have been held after the January 3
parliamentary election when the coalition of the Social Democratic
Party and the Croatian Social Liberal Party (SDP/HSLS) mustered a
majority of the vote.
(hina) ms