CRO LOWER HOUSE RESUMES DEBATE ON STATE AUDIT REPORT FOR 1998

ZAGREB, Feb 25 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's House of Representatives on Friday began its second session with the continuation of a debate on a state audit report for 1998. Ivan Penic, a representative of the Croatian Democratic Union and former minister of the interior, said he "even earlier advocated the removal of the 'secret of state' seal from audit reports referring to the Interior Ministry." Penic said he did react to remarks and suggestions of the State Audit Office during his minister's mandate, adding the Interior Ministry budget was smaller every year and that it would not be possible to make significant cuts. Tonci Zuvela of the Social Democratic Party remarked the state audit report for 1998 did not include the auditing of the Croatian Board of Tourism and the Croatian Privatisation Fund. Viktor Broz of the Croatian Social Liberal Party voiced hope the penalisation of irregularities outlined in the audit would be a proof of the rule-of-law, which he reminded was one of the promises made to voters ahead of January's parliamentary elections. Broz advocated urgent reforms in the pension and health sectors. The debate continues. (hina) ha