MESIC HAS ALREADY PASSED THE VERDICT -- PASALIC

ZAGREB, April 21 (Hina) - A traditional reception for reporters was prepared at the main secretariat of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) on the occasion of the Easter holidays, at which party officials spoke about current affairs in Croatia's political life. HDZ vice-president Ivica Pasalic, asked to comment on accusations that he was one of the protagonists regarding the affair on the purchase of Zagreb's Vecernji list daily for the HDZ, said he had already replied to "constructions directed by the President and other people surrounding him". I clearly stated that such a conversation (allegedly between him and the late President Tudjman about the sale of Vecernji list) never took place and is a fabrication. The HDZ never bought Vecernji list, Pasalic asserted. How to reply to he misuse of authority as practised recently by the president of the Republic Stipe Mesic who publicly accused me, passed the verdict, and called on removing my parliament immunity, Pasalic asked. He accused Mesic of participating in "an immoral political conspiracy, directly wishing to intervene in relations within the HDZ and influence what the HDZ political leadership will look like". "I am evidently in such a development in the scenario a menace, so I must be eliminated by all possible means at least until the HDZ assembly passes," at which the party leadership will be elected, Pasalic said. (hina) lml jn