NEW HDZ PRESIDENCY BELIEVES GENERAL CONVENTION WAS SUCCESSFUL

ZAGREB, May 5 (Hina) - The Presidency of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) has described the party's recent fifth general convention as successful, estimating that it has put an end to the crisis in the party and provided the impetus for consolidating the party, HDZ president Ivo Sanader told reporters after today's session of the new party presidency. Commenting on the statement by the president of the Homeland War Invalids (HVIDR) association on the blockade of roads and border crossings, Sanader said the HDZ was aware the Government had not fulfilled its obligations toward Homeland War associations and that it was not sensitive enough toward their problems, however, the HDZ would not accept "antidemocratic instruments." "We have decided to turn more to ourselves and we want to represent the alternative to the ruling coalition in Croatia's political life," Sanader said. The HDZ will be a strong opposition whenever decisions are not in Croatia's national interest, Sanader said. The party presidency has also decided that the party would form competent working groups so that representatives could focus on those areas they know best, however, that will not be a shadow government, Sanader said, announcing the establishment of a working group for drawing up changes to the Constitution. According to Sanader, consolidating the party was a process that would take more time. (hina) rml