ZAGREB, April 18 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House of Counties that began its 40th session on Tuesday morning, postponed a debate on the cooperation with the Hague-based Tribunal for today afternoon so that the
television can give live coverage of the discussion. Despite such decision, some parliamentarians expressed their opinion on the matter in the morning. Vladimir Mesaric (the Christian Democrats of Medjimurje) requested a declaration on the temporary suspension of the cooperation between Zagreb and the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY), justifying such possible move with developments on the Croatian and world political scene. Mesaric claimed that the Hague-based Tribunal itself had breached its rules and commitments. Besides, in the meantime a war occurred in the former Soviet Union in which crimes were committed but have not still been processed,
ZAGREB, April 18 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House
of Counties that began its 40th session on Tuesday morning,
postponed a debate on the cooperation with the Hague-based Tribunal
for today afternoon so that the television can give live coverage of
the discussion.
Despite such decision, some parliamentarians expressed their
opinion on the matter in the morning.
Vladimir Mesaric (the Christian Democrats of Medjimurje) requested
a declaration on the temporary suspension of the cooperation
between Zagreb and the International Criminal Tribunal for former
Yugoslavia (ICTY), justifying such possible move with developments
on the Croatian and world political scene.
Mesaric claimed that the Hague-based Tribunal itself had breached
its rules and commitments. Besides, in the meantime a war occurred
in the former Soviet Union in which crimes were committed but have
not still been processed, Mesaric added.
A discussion on the protection of the dignity of the Homeland War
has also been delayed for the continuation of this session or for
the next session. The discussion was proposed by the bench of the
Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).
On behalf of the party that filed a motion for this item, Jure Buric
explained that the debate cannot go without the stand the
Government and a relevant working body should give before.
A debate on a report on the enforcement of a law on Homeland War
veterans' rights has also been postponed.
The aforementioned topics, however, stirred up a heated discussion
this morning.
Srecko Kljunak of the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS), criticised
the inadequacy of material that should serve as the starting point
for the discussion on the dignity of Homeland War and wondered how
people who did not take part in the war can discuss the matter.
He told HDZ deputies not to give him lessons on the Homeland War and
Croathood and to let the new Government to save what can be saved and
re-establish dignity to the Homeland War. Kljunak reproached the
former ruling party (HDZ) for the employment of people in the
Croatian Army and Defence Ministry according to nepotism and for a
great number of generals some of whom were "truck drivers"
previously.
HDZ member Buric retorted to him that during 1991 in the war there
were not many university professors so that "truck-drivers" were
promoted to generals since they joined the defence and did not
philosophise.
I declare responsibly that a great number of generals was never at
the front-lines but was, nevertheless, promoted, Kljunak replied.
During their extensive debate on the agenda, deputies directed
attention to the position of the upper house and the conduct of the
Government and the lower house (House of Representatives) towards
it.
One of topics which should be considered by the House of Counties is
the Government's report on refugee returns and reconstruction.
(hina) jn ms