GOVT. TO SET UP FREEFONE, OPEN PREMISES FOR VISITS BY GENERAL PUBLIC

ZAGREB, Oct 16 (Hina) - Croatia's prime minister said on Monday the government would open more towards citizens by introducing a freefone and fax service for citizens' questions, and by opening the government premises for visits. Starting next Sunday, the government premises at Banski dvori in downtown Zagreb will be open for visits by the general public every Sunday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Citizens will be able to stroll around the premises and drink coffee. The citizens who pay taxes and fill the state budget have the right to see the premises, Prime Minister Ivica Racan told Croatian Radio's "How the Government Rules" broadcast. The citizens will be able to call 01/45 69 201 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to put questions, and will be received by the prime minister or his associates Fridays. The government will soon introduce a free fax line for citizens to put questions, as well as a uniform telephone line for citizens' questions to the government and all ministries. Racan said all questions would be answered either in written or oral form, and that the government would be more expeditious in answering. At present, the government receives about 600 letters a week, which take two to three weeks to be answered. (hina) ha