LATEST DRAFT REPORT ON CROATIA MUCH MORE POSITIVE - SAYS OFFICIAL

ZAGREB, Jan 8 (Hina) - Croatian parliament vice president Zarko Domljan on Friday assessed the latest draft report on Croatia compiled by Council of Europe rapporteurs as much more positive than earlier ones. "As a whole, the draft report is much more positive, with much more understanding for Croatia and the difficulties obstructing the passing of some measures and the implementation of decisions," said Domljan, who is also a member of the Croatian delegation at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. He added the draft report was a "confidential document" until its adoption by the Council's Monitoring Committee, which follows how member-countries comply with undertaken obligations. The problems pointed out in the report focus on three issues: the situation in the electronic media, returnees, and electoral legislation. "The electoral law issue has been analysed in great detail in the draft report, and it says (the electoral law) should be adjusted to remarks which have already been made," Domljan said. The Council of Europe Monitoring Committee will convene in Paris on January 12, but it is as yet uncertain whether the report on Croatia will be discussed. Croatia requested a postponement of the discussion due to its inability to ensure the presence of an opposition party representative. The draft report was drafted by Council of Europe rapporteurs Jerzy Jaskiernia and Marija Stoyanova, who visited Croatia last November. (hina) ha