SDP, HSLS LEADERS MEET FOR TALKS

ZAGREB, Sept 7 (Hina) - The leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) started a meeting in Zagreb on Thursday afternoon. At the meeting, which had been announced for some time, the two strongest coalition partners will try to clear up misunderstandings which have been burdening the ruling coalition for the past couple of months. "We should have more meetings of this kind so that there are as few misunderstandings as possible," HSLS president Drazen Budisa said before the meeting. He added his party expected the two sides would discuss about 11 items. HSLS vice-president Vilim Herman said he believed the two parties would also discuss economy, relations with The Hague-based war crimes tribunal and changes to the Constitution. Prior to the start of the meeting, representatives of other parties forming the six-party coalition said they wanted all misunderstandings to finally be cleared up. Representatives of the Liberal Party (LS), Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS) and Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) said that as coalition partners they had not generated a single case or scandal so far. Representatives of the Croatian People's Party (HNS) believe the meeting is part of regular activities. The strongest opposition party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) wishes the coalition partners success at the meeting. In case the coalition breaks up, the HDZ is ready for cooperation with similar parties such as the HSS and HSLS, said a party vice- president, Jadranka Kosor. (hina) rml