PRIME MINISTER SAYS GOVT. SUPPORTS VETERANS' MINISTRY'S WORK

ZAGREB, Sept 11 (Hina) - The government will continue assisting Homeland War veterans, but also seek greater responsibility in spending money intended for the exercising of their rights, Croatia's Prime Minister Ivica Racan said on Monday. Racan spoke to the press after visiting the Veterans' Ministry and talks with Minister Ivica Pancic. The prime minister said government supported the ministry's work. The government and the ministry are protecting the veterans' interests, simultaneously working towards preventing their use for purposes unacceptable in a democratic and law-based state, Racan said. He added the government would defend funds for veterans' and other Homeland War victims' rights, but also seek higher accountability for their spending. "We know we have the support of the majority of the veterans, disabled persons and victims, and vice-versa. We do and will not have the support of those who were able to use their positions for personal gain in a fashion which was not allowed, and sometimes even illegal," the prime minister said. He added the government, in defending veterans' rights, wanted to show that it respected those who participated in last decade's Homeland War, as well as that it counted on their solidarity in dealing with the difficulties Croatia was faced with at present. In this respect, the government understands the Veterans' Ministry's difficult work and supports its efforts, Racan said, adding this would soon be evident during debates on a bill on the rights of veterans' and members of their families. The prime minister visited the Veterans' Ministry as part of visits he is making to all Croatian ministries over the past and this week. (hina) ha