ZAGREB, March 11 (Hina) - Draft amendment to the distress law should be debated in a regular, and not in urgent procedure, it was concluded at Thursday's session of the Croatian National Sabor's House of Representatives. Changes have
come too late and are only partially solving the problem of illiquidity, MPs said during a discussion on draft amendments to the distress law. Endorsing proposals of other representatives of the Opposition that the draft amendments should be discussed in two readings, Srecko Bijelic of the Croatian People's Party (HNS) stressed that in the meantime the Sabor should deal with causes of the current economic situation. It is not logical to start with consequences, Bijelic added. The debate in two readings was also proposed by Mato Arlovic of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who demanded that the Sabor should be acquainted with the Government's programme for solving the illiquidi
ZAGREB, March 11 (Hina) - Draft amendment to the distress law should
be debated in a regular, and not in urgent procedure, it was
concluded at Thursday's session of the Croatian National Sabor's
House of Representatives.
Changes have come too late and are only partially solving the
problem of illiquidity, MPs said during a discussion on draft
amendments to the distress law.
Endorsing proposals of other representatives of the Opposition
that the draft amendments should be discussed in two readings,
Srecko Bijelic of the Croatian People's Party (HNS) stressed that
in the meantime the Sabor should deal with causes of the current
economic situation.
It is not logical to start with consequences, Bijelic added.
The debate in two readings was also proposed by Mato Arlovic of the
Social Democratic Party (SDP), who demanded that the Sabor should
be acquainted with the Government's programme for solving the
illiquidity problem.
Arlovic warned that the amendments did not refer to the greatest
debtor -the state- adding it was not possible to open a bankruptcy
procedure when the Government or ministries owe money to their
creditors.
Zeljko Antunovic of the SDP also wondered how the country will pay
to its creditors.
Zeljko Pavlic of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) and Ivan
Gabelica of the Croatian Pure Party of Rights (HCSP) took critical
views of the amendments. According to Gabelica, the amendments were
hasty and substandard.
Bosiljko Misetic of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ)
welcomed the amendments, stressing, however, that it was an
intervention in the law which would not yield expected results.
There will be no serious progress in the resolution of illiquidity
problem unless the Croatian legislation has been adjusted to a
changed legal owner and political system, Misetic said.
Petar Zitnik endorsed the amendments on behalf of the Croatian
Peasants' Party (HSS).
He expressed hope that the amendments will bring to an end the
immoral practice which leads us to destruction, Zitnik added.
Representatives stressed that the state must change its conduct and
fulfil its financial obligations on regular basis.
They pointed to high contributions and tax burden on the economy,
and asked why trade unions and employers' associations had not been
consulted while drawing amendments.
(hina) it ms