CNN: CROATIA'S FIN MIN ON STEPS TO ALLEVIATE IMPACT OF KOSOVO CRISIS

ZAGREB, April 17 (Hina) - Croatia's Finance Minister, Borislav Skegro, on Friday said in an interview with the CNN that the Croatian Government would revise the budget in order to alleviate consequences of a negative trend in the Croatian economy, caused by the conflict in neighbouring Yugoslavia (Serbia-Montenegro). Asked what can be done in order to prevent the withdrawal of investors from businesses in Croatia, Skegro said there were no registered cases that international investors had given up from Croatia. He explained that Croatia's tourism and traffic were mostly affected by the Yugoslav conflict. He added that Croatia is a safe country, but some people have cancelled their trips to Croatia because of the instability in the region. The minister said the negative consequences such as the cancellation of bookings since the start of the NATO air strikes, prompted Croatia to ask the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for the support to maintain the economic stability which his country has been enjoying for five and a half years. Speaking of other measures planned by the Croatian Government, Skegro mentioned the forthcoming privatisation of some most important companies in his country such as the Croatian Telecommunications, three banks and the biggest insurance company. (hina) jn ms