ECONOMY MINISTRY DENIES ALLEGATION ON CANCELLATION OF TRIP TO USA

ZAGREB, Sept 20 (Hina) - Croatia's Economy Ministry on Wednesday refuted allegations published in some media about the cancellation of a visit of Croatian Premier Ivica Racan and business delegation to the United States. We are bound to state that the departure for the United States has not definitely been called off, but it has been postponed for some period. The Government's officials could not co-ordinate their schedules with the tour to the U.S.A., set for October this year, read a statement. The statement described the claims of one Croatian weekly that U.S. banks and funds did not give adequate financial response as totally false and malevolent. The United States' Embassy also issued a statement saying that such allegations were incorrect. The ministry added that it had carried out complete preparations for the visit. On Tuesday Croatia's Prime Minister denied some media reports that his and a Croatian business delegation's visit to the United States had been cancelled. The Premier was quoted by the Croatian radio as saying that he had personally called off the trip which should have taken about a week, as it was too long considering his schedule and duties. "There will be a very brief visit and short and efficient presentation of Croatia's economy," Racan said. (hina) ms