DC APPEALS FOR DISCONTINUATION OF POLITICAL RADICALISATION IN CROATIA

ZAGREB, Oct 1 (Hina) - Twelve Croatian generals' letter and subsequently President Stjepan Mesic's decision to retire seven (active) generals of those 12 signatories as well as the latest proclamation of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) have dramatically radicalised the political scene in Croatia, leaders of the Democratic Centre (DC) assessed on Sunday's news conference, and suggested the immediate discontinuation of such moves. Commenting on the latest developments in Croatia, DC President Mate Granic voiced concern and added that differences among six parties, which constitute the ruling coalition, were more and more obvious and that there was no unity in Croatia. Granic viewed the proclamation of the HDZ that asked for early elections as unreal. DC pins its hope on the forthcoming parliamentary discussion on the national security in the country and Granic maintains that the debate will result in the adoption of a few declarations on relevant topics. A DC Vice-President Vesna Skare-Ozbolt told reporters that the manner in which Mesic retired the seven generals was unfair towards the officers and added that the President should have consulted Defence Ministry prior to the decision. The HDZ proclamation shows once again that it is very difficult for the HDZ to transform itself in a real democratic party, said Skare- Ozbolt, a former HDZ member. (hina) ms