CROATIA'S NEW TRAFFIC MINISTER TAKES OVER OFFICE

ZAGREB, Jan 31 (Hina) - The newly-appointed Minister of Maritime Affairs, Traffic and Communications, Alojz Tusek, took over his office from the former minister Ivan Pavlovic on Monday. Taking over his duties Tusek announced changes in road, railway and maritime traffic. Those changes include preparing the existing road network for this year's tourist season, building bypasses and expanding some sections on the Plitvice and Adriatic roads so that the travel from Zagreb to Dubrovnik could be shortened by two hours. The new minister also announced the continuation of construction works on the Bosiljevo-Sveti Rok section of the Adriatic highway, which is envisaged in a contract signed with Bechtel construction company. However, the construction of the Adriatic highway is a long-term project, Tusek said, adding Dalmatia could not remain isolated in the meantime. Speaking about the section of the highway running from Gorican to Zagreb, Tusek said its construction would depend on the financial situation. Tusek also announced the intensification of works on the Lika and Una River railway line, as well as incentives for shipping companies and the improvement of links with islands. Those topics will be discussed more at the first parliamentary session, he added. Asked whether he would change the composition of his cabinet, Tusek thanked the ministry's former secretary Cedomir Dundovic for his cooperation, adding the coalition which won the elections had announced the cancellation of the office of the state secretary. The decision on Tusek's deputy will be made by a coordination of six parties, whereas the position of former assistants will depend on them and the assessment of their work, Tusek said. The former minister Pavlovic, who had held the office for only five months, thanked his associates for cooperation, adding he expected them to support the new minister. (hina) rml