RACAN: 2000 - YEAR OF AUSTERITY

ZAGREB, Feb 9 (Hina) - The Croatian National Sabor's House of Representatives on Wednesday continued its first session at which Prime Minister Ivica Racan presented a four-year programme of the Croatian Government. Racan stressed that the year 2000 would be a year of austerity, but also a year of creating healthy foundations for economic development. Even though the Government is aware of serious difficulties, it is optimistic and it believes that it will be able to realise its programme. All citizens are facing a historical opportunity to use all possibilities created at the recently held parliamentary, said Racan. The Government will propose a bill which will establish the solution for settling debts towards retired persons, and promote the existing tax system, namely to exempt financially unstable families from paying direct taxes. The Prime Minister also announced the struggle against corruption, bribe and social insensibility, and work under the counter. The Government will try to realise the will of citizens expressed at the parliamentary elections, namely to build an equal society and equality of all people before the law. The Government will continue the process of privatisation and the development of market economy, and will decrease tax burden. The government is ready to take over its part of responsibility for the security and stability of this part of Europe, and will take active part in the Stability Pact. Given that the Government had not yet managed to organise its work, the programme is just a frame work standpoint, which will be worked in details as it goes along, Racan stressed. The House of Representatives will continue its session by a discussion on the Government's programme. (hina) it