CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

ZAGREB, Nov 9 (Hina) - Immediately after the endorsement of constitutional changes in the Croatian national parliament's House of Representatives, Prime Minister Ivica Racan expressed satisfaction about the passing of the amendments. He said this was a firm step towards the strengthening of Croatia's democratic system, particularly regarding the inauguration of parliamentary democracy, which was promised to the Croatian people ahead of the January 3 elections. "I will cancel the government's session, which I called for in case the House of Representatives failed to endorse the amendments. The Croatian President would have my resignation tomorrow, as well as the resignation of the government, because the failure to fulfil the promise we gave to citizens would demand the resignation, if nothing but for moral reasons", Racan said. He added he would not resign now. The Prime Minister also stressed that in line with the amendments to the Constitution, the government finally become accountable to the parliament, which would be able to replace the government. "This is the closure of what we had to do in order to specify the responsibility of all institutions in Croatia and avoid all possible dilemmas in relation to the current Constitution", the Prime Minister said. He added the parliament had demonstrated a great amount of responsibility towards the Croatian people. When asked if he had already held talks with the President of State, Racan said he is to hold talks with the President as soon as possible, if nothing but over the phone. Recalling that the government and President jointly initiated the constitutional amendments, Racan concluded: "We will need to cooperate in the solving of difficult issues in the country. I believe this is a good thing and hope that each of us will recognise his duties and responsibility". (hina) it