ZAGREB, Oct 5 (Hina) - The motioned amendments to the Constitution, specifically provisions on the position of the Croatian National Parliament's House of Counties, regional self-government and changes to the Parliament's name (Sabor)
received varying reactions of upper house MPs Thursday. Most MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the position of the upper house as envisaged by the changes to the Constitution, assessing its authorities would be significantly reduced. Miroslav Rozic of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) claimed the role of the House of Counties was "caricatured" in the amendments. MPs of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and HSP agreed that the Parliament was not going to receive greater authorities by the changes. Rozic also criticised the stipulation that the Government could dissolve the Parliament. What if MPs do not agree with the decision, will Yeltsin be used as an example and
HOUSE OF COUNTIES MPS CRITICISE MOTIONED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES
ZAGREB, Oct 5 (Hina) - The motioned amendments to the Constitution,
specifically provisions on the position of the Croatian National
Parliament's House of Counties, regional self-government and
changes to the Parliament's name (Sabor) received varying
reactions of upper house MPs Thursday.
Most MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the position of the upper
house as envisaged by the changes to the Constitution, assessing
its authorities would be significantly reduced.
Miroslav Rozic of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) claimed the
role of the House of Counties was "caricatured" in the amendments.
MPs of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and HSP agreed that the
Parliament was not going to receive greater authorities by the
changes.
Rozic also criticised the stipulation that the Government could
dissolve the Parliament. What if MPs do not agree with the decision,
will Yeltsin be used as an example and tanks and cannons brought to
shoot at MP's, he asked.
The HDZ will, Ivan Brlekovic said, support changes aimed at
rescinding the semi-presidential system and strengthening the
parliamentary system, but will oppose any tendency of
strengthening the executive authority.
Zarko Katic of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) said it
should be thought over whether the upper house should give its
opinion on a law before or after its adoption before the House of
Representatives.
MPs also requested a stipulation on regional self-government be
introduce into the changes.
A provision according to which the realisation of the principle of
division of authority could include cooperation, inquiries ... the
work of the three branches of government, was also criticised. This
would make it possible for politics to check up on the judiciary,
for example, they said.
MPs advocated equality between men and women to be consolidated in
the Constitution, that the length of a member of parliament mandate
and immunity should be regulated with more precision.
Several members commented on the Government's suggestion that the
word "national" be removed from the parliament's official name, the
Croatian National Sabor, asking why this should bother anyone.
(hina) lml