CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE ENSUE IN HALF

ZAGREB, Feb 29 (Hina) - Motioned amendments to the Croatian Constitution transforming the semi-presidential system to a parliamentary one could enter parliamentary procedure in six or seven months, president of the Croatian National Parliament, Zlatko Tomcic, said Tuesday. Tomcic said the amendments should not be approached in haste and improvisation, and public opinion should be heard before such big changes such as the transformation of the political system. Presidential authorities will be reduced through amendments to laws which had given the President additional authorities, followed by constitutional changes. There are a number of laws, 16 or 17, under which the President had received authorities additional to the ones stipulated by the Constitution. Their amendments seek a certain period of time, Tomcic said, adding that a part of the job had been done by amendments to laws on the government and jurisdiction of ministries. The six parties which make up the Government have a clear joint political stance regarding the change from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system, defined in the coalition agreement, Tomcic said. It is important for all parts of authority to function in harmony in the transitional period, while the President still has great authority, Tomcic said, adding he meant the Government, Parliament and President. "I do not expect any excesses in these relations," Tomcic said. (hina) lml jn