OPPOSITION & RULING HDZ TO HOLD TALKS ON ELECTORAL MODEL ON MAY 17

ZAGREB, May 11 (Hina) - Parliamentary benches of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the group of six opposition parties will take place at parliament on May 17, Opposition Six coordinator and president of the Croatian Peasants' Party bench Luka Trconic told reporters in Zagreb on Tuesday. The HDZ will have to clearly and unambiguously put forward their platform and state their opinion regarding the Opposition Six's draft electoral model, Trconic said. Possible versions of the model may be discussed after the Monday meeting, he added, but pointed out the Opposition Six will not consent to a separate list for the Diaspora and a separate electoral unit. Trconic reminded that HDZ bench president Vladimir Seks had failed to answer to the key questions put forward by the Opposition Six, but added he believes the agreement to continue talks represented a step forward. "Both sides point out they care about reaching a consensus, given that at this moment, it is in the state and national interest," Trconic said. He reiterated there is agreement within the Opposition Six regarding the proposal put forward during last week's talks with HDZ and Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, and pointed out the proposal is of primary importance for the opposition group. Trconic also stressed the Opposition Six resolutely objects to have the next elections scheduled on December 26. (hina) ha