LOWER HOUSE BEGINS DEBATE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS MOTION

ZAGREB, Nov 8 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's House of Representatives resumed its eighth session on Wednesday with a long-awaited debate on a constitutional amendments motion. According to Mato Arlovic, chairman of parliament's Committee on the Constitution, Rule Book and Political System, which moved the amendments, their main aspects are the creation of foundations for effecting all recently discussed reforms, the creation of conditions for the decentralisation of the state and the reinforcement of local government and self-government, and the creation of foundations for reforming the judicial authority to make it more independent as well as more effective in protecting citizens and the constitution. Arlovic said the amendments adjusted Croatian regulations to those in force in the European Union, thus preparing the ground for stepping up Croatia's access to European associations, as well as for further democracy and a faster development of economic and social relations. Moreover, he added, the amendments transform the semi-presidential into a parliamentary system of authority, which the ruling six- party coalition promised ahead of January's elections. This ensures higher cooperation and mutual control between segments of authority, improving their performance. Parliament's role is strengthened, and the government accounts to it and not to the president of the republic. The amendments also outline detailed models for solving parliament and government crises. Another significant new aspect is the strengthening of direct democracy, he said. Ten percent of the population would suffice to call a referendum on important issues, and if more than 50 percent took part in the referendum, its decision would be binding. Arlovic said all the amendments reinforced the 1990 constitution, without changing either its original foundations or basic values. (hina) ha