GOVERNMENT IS FIGHTING FOR EACH WORK POST - CRO ECONOMY MINISTER

ZAGREB, Feb 15 (Hina) - Croatian Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic on Monday said that the Government was fighting for every work post, however, it was aware that for a certain period of time the number of unemployed persons in the Croatian Employment Bureau will rise. I cannot tell you when the number of unemployed persons at the Employment Office will fall. If this is not realised by the end of the year, I don't have to sit in the minister's chair, somebody else should", Fizulic told a press conference. As a response to harsh critiques about his recent statement that the number of unemployed persons could increase by 20,000 to 30,000, Minister Fizulic announced a series of measures for solving the unemployment problem. He pointed to the fact that the Government is treating everyone equally, however, it does not wish to create new social tensions or cases. "But we ask for understanding of public as well as trade union federations that the country is at the edge of bankruptcy, Fizulic said and pointed to the "less that miserable and poor" situation of state finances. He reminded about the electoral promise of the wining coalition on the decrease of unemployment, he stressed however that it would be unrealistic to expect such changes in a short period. Fizulic said he was bothered by the fact that the bankruptcy in Croatia was interpreted as a taboo, and everyone believes it was the liquidation and loss of jobs. He announced amendments which would enable companies in pre-bankruptcy proceeding to maintain their production and substance and the majority of work posts. "If such a thing was to take place earlier, many jobs would have been saved", Fizulic stressed. The increase of work posts is possible only in case of foreign investments. In line with this, Fizulic announced a radical and revolutionary bill. He expressed expectation that the bill would make Croatia the strongest country in Europe in investments per person. (hina) it mm