IVIC PASALIC REPLACED AS SABOR VICE-PRESIDENT

ZAGREB, Sept 29 (Hina) - The House of Representatives on Friday replaced Ivic Pasalic of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) as Sabor vice-president and appointed another HDZ member, Ivica Kostovic, Sabor vice-president. The decision on Pasalic's replacement, which was urged by his party, was adopted with a majority vote, without a single vote against, whereas Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) and Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HKDU) deputies abstained. Although it was suggested that the vote on Pasalic's replacement not be taken in his absence, HDZ president Ivo Sanader insisted that the vote be taken today "because it is in the interest of the party," and in line with an inter-party agreement according to which the HDZ has the right to appoint two parliamentary vice-presidents. Ivica Kostovic said the HDZ presidency made the decision on Pasalic's replacement because it had estimated that it was the best solution for the party at present. Kostovic evaded the question whether today's decision could cause new rifts in the HDZ. He only said it was not in his jurisdiction but in that of "the HDZ policy and presidency." Describing himself as a constructive person, Kostovic announced better cooperation with the parties which make up the parliamentary majority. (hina) jn rml