GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED RETURNING STATE DEBTS

ZAGREB, April 12 (Hina) - The Croatian government will help the eastern Croatian agricultural and processing plant 'Belje'. The government has already given funds and guarantees for the reconstruction of facilities and other purposes in order to reactivate the company, Deputy Prime Minister Slavko Linic said during question hour at the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Asked when the government would make known a list of companies which have been given state guarantees amounting to 15 billion kuna and whether somebody will be held responsible for those guarantees, Linic said making known such a list would inflict damage on some companies and be of no use. Problems will arise only when and if the guarantees come due, Linic said. It is certain that there was a lot of self-will and personal interests in issuing the guarantees, and that is why, when some of the guarantees come due, the Government will publish all data and take measures against those who are responsible, Linic said. Asked repeatedly when the state would pay its debts, Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac said the issue was being considered and the Government would soon propose solutions. Part of the 3.6 billion kuna, which the state plans to pay this year, has already been paid. The second part would be 'covered' with bonds, and the third will be paid in cash during April and May, Crkvenac concluded. (hina) rml