GOVT WILL SOON VOICE STANCE ON DRAFT CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

ZAGREB, Oct 20 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan on Friday commented on the text of opinions and suggestions forwarded on Wednesday by Croatian President Stipe Mesic on draft amendments to the Constitution, saying it was "a good thing that the President states his opinion on the constitutional changes". In his statement to the press Racan recalled that the draft constitutional changes was not a government motion, but the motion made by the Parliament's Committee for the Constitution, Rule Book and Political System. "The Government will also voice its stance on the draft constitutional changes soon, next week in all probability, so polemics on President Mesic's text is unnecessary," Racan asserted. "Supporting his right to state his opinion on amendments to the constitution, I must say I agree with some issues, and disagree with others, but I will not discuss this or enter in polemics with the President via the media. I will speak with him person to person. This Government and the ruling majority had promised the Croatian people to introduce a parliamentary democracy. That is the will and we shall respect it, and any solution contributing to this is welcome," Racan said. Asked about a possible postponement of the adoption of the document, Racan stressed the Parliament will decide when to place the issue on the agenda for discussion. I personally am open for any discussion, so I expect to exchange views with the President, when I will state my precise opinions on specific issues, as well as on possible improvements to the existing draft amendments to the Constitution adopted in the Parliament, Racan said. (hina) lml