PARLIAMENT, GOVERNMENT AND STATE LEADERS DO NOT WANT RESIDENCES

ZAGREB, March 28 (Hina) - President of the Croatian National parliament Zlatko Tomcic said Tuesday he did not intend to use the parliament president residence until it became his obligation. "As long as the obligation does not exist, I am not even thinking about any accommodation in a residence," Tomcic said in answer to reporters' questions after Tuesday's Parliament Presidency session. In the past several days the media reported about which residential facilities the Government had intended for the President, Prime Minister and parliament president, in line with the Law on Government and State Officials. The Law envisages that they use the residences while performing duties to which they have been elected. Croatian President Stipe Mesic and Prime Minister have also stated they would not be using the residences. Tomcic informed reporters the Presidency had requested information about all available flats owned by the state and which have been made available for Parliament, Government, Presidential Office and justice officials. This, he said, is an issue to be solved jointly by all the interested parties. Tomcic announced the issue of using official vehicles would also be discussed soon, adding rationalisation and more transparency was to be expected. (hina) lml jn