HSLS PRESIDENT CALLS ON SDP TO SETTLE MUTUAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS

ZAGREB, July 14 (Hina) - Drazen Budisa, the President of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), on Friday called on a coalition partner - Social Democratic Party (SDP) - to invest joint efforts to settle their mutual misunderstandings, and stressed that the incumbent coalition Government has no political alternative. "I believe that this Government is not at jeopardy and the HSLS is definitely not a factor that will jeopardise it," Budisa told reporters who were covering the work of the Croatian national parliament. He gave this statement after Ivica Racan, the Croatian Prime Minister and SDP leader, accused a part of the HSLS for behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, two days before. In this context, the HSLS President said his party had defended even unpopular measures of the Government and stood by all ministers in the Government. Budisa added that the HSLS had suggested to the SDP a joint meeting of the two political parties' leaderships, but it has still been waiting for the SDP to respond to the proposal. "Certain misunderstandings have occurred in our relations with this coalition partner and we must overcome them," Budisa told reporters. Budisa reacted to Racan's claim that he would not accept behind-the scenes moves of some HSLS officials, describing such statement as, at least, clumsy. "All what the HSLS does is transparent and there is no political pressure. On the other hand, a dirty political campaign has been led against the HSLS for weeks," Budisa asserted. Budisa believed they would solve all difficulties with the SDP in a tolerant atmosphere. He reiterated that he had no intention to take office in the Government, as, for him, it is irreconcilable to hold the office in Government and be the President of a political party simultaneously, under these political circumstances in the country. Budisa said he gave his support to Goran Granic, a HSLS high-ranking official, who is the First Deputy Prime Minster. At the end of his meeting with reporters, Budisa said he had just got information that Premier Racan was calling him on the phone. (hina) mm ms