HOUSE OF COUNTIES BEGINS DISCUSSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

ZAGREB, Nov 6 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House of Counties began a discussion on motioned amendments to the Constitution Monday. #L# The introduction of a parliamentary political system replacing the semi-presidential one, the removal of obstacles for the further development of democracy, securing conditions for needed social reforms and the creation of foundations for Croatia's speedy accession into European associations are the essential goals of the constitutional amendments, chairman of the motioner, the Parliament's committee for the Constitution, Rule Book and Political System, Mato Arlovic, said before the House. He added the amendments to the Constitution were also aimed at consolidating direct democracy, so a referendum should be called on key issues such as the issue of Croatia's association with other countries. The basic values defined in the Constitution, he stressed, such as the provision defining Croatia as a unified, democratic and social state, and the stipulation of authority by the people, would not change, Arlovic asserted. Should the Parliament adopt the motioned amendments, grounds will be created for implementing the necessary reforms in politics, economy, social legislature, and the justice system, enabling further development of the Croatian society, he concluded. The Upper House continued its session with discussions among party benches on the motioned constitutional amendments. The session agenda also includes a package of draft tax laws. (hina) lml jn