GOVERNMENT WILL NOT CONCEDE TO UNION PRESSURES -- PRIME MINISTER

ZAGREB, April 11 (Hina) - The Government will not succumb to the pressures and blackmail of unions to get unearned money, Prime Minister Ivica Racan said after Tuesday's meeting with representatives of the Alliance of Croatian Independent unions (SSSH), with Davor Juric at the helm. The Government supports the expression of social dissatisfaction, but will not allow actions of destruction, Racan said in the wake of protests by PIK Vrbovec unions and their blocking traffic in the Vrbovec area, when the blocking of the Zagreb - Budapest railroad was announced to be blocked. In such politics, Racan said, the Government is firmly supported by citizens because funds can be distributed only if it was produced excessively, which would cause inflation. SSSH president Davor Juric said that a final agreement had not been reached on deadlines for paying back state debts to companies owned by the Croatian Privatisation Fund, and announced the Croatian Chamber of Commerce would become involved in the talks among social partners. Stressing the Government would advocate the strengthening of social dialogue, Racan said "the Government would discuss the payment of state debts to companies and citizens. We expect unions and citizens to cooperate". (hina) lml