'OPPOSITION SIX' ASKS SABOR TO DISCUSS FOREIGN POLICY

ZAGREB, Jan 12 (Hina) - Representatives of six Opposition parties, known as the Opposition Six - Social Democratic Party (SDP), Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), Liberal Party (LS), Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS), Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) and the Croatian peoples' Party (HNS) - issued a statement Tuesday describing as unfavourable the economic and social situation the country, relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina, cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and Croatia's international position. Participants of Monday's meeting behind closed doors, the 'Opposition Six' said in the statement, agreed that the economic and social situation were exceptionally difficult in the country, and the current and announced measures to be undertaken by the Government were not the proper answer for the deep economic and social crisis. Describing the international position of the Republic of Croatia as very unfavourable, the representatives mentioned stagnation in the process of Croatia's integration into Euro-Atlantic associations, as well as the worsening of relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina due to the way of resolving contentious territorial issues. "Such deterioration in Croatia's international position demands a discussion at the Croatian National Sabor (parliament) on foreign policy," the statement said. The Six accepted the suggestion of the HSS that the item be placed on the agenda at the next Sabor session, and that Croatia's cooperation with the ICTY be discussed as part of the discussion on the foreign policy. (hina) lml mm