TOMCIC EXPECTS MESIC'S SUPPORT IN REDUCING PRESIDENTIAL POWERS

ZAGREB, Feb 8 (Hina) - Croatian National Sabor President and Acting Head of State Zlatko Tomcic on Tuesday congratulated Stipe Mesic on his election as the new President of Croatia, expressing a wish for a good cooperation between Mesic and the Government and Sabor. "I believe we will meet as early as tomorrow and exchange our first impressions after the celebrations and start serious political talks regarding our future cooperation," Tomcic said shortly after the announcement of first unofficial results. Tomcic said he expected Mesic to support efforts aimed at fulfilling the pre-election promises of the coalition of six parties regarding the reduction of presidential powers, the cancellation of the semi-presidential system and the transfer of a significant part of presidential powers to the Sabor and Government. This process requires a very serious approach and consultations with legal experts, Tomcic said, adding it could start in a month and a half and be completed in about half a year. Tomcic said he expected a large number of heads of state, premiers, foreign ministers and parliamentary delegations would attend the presidential oath-taking ceremony, to be held on February 18 in Zagreb's St. Mark's Square. A minimum of 150 foreign officials are expected and the number could be as high as 350, he added. The President must have an office which is appropriate for his post, Tomcic said, expressing a wish for the new President to have his office at Zagreb's Upper Town. The Sabor President also expressed congratulations to presidential candidate Drazen Budisa. (hina) rml