ECONOMY MINISTER, HOMELAND WAR VETERANS DISCUSS PRIVATISATION

ZAGREB, June 11 (Hina) - Croatian Economy Minister Nenad Porges on Friday held talks with representatives of some of the largest associations of Croatian war veterans on their participation in the privatisation of the Croatian Telecommunications (HT) and other public companies. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Croatian Homeland War Invalids (HVIDR) association, Association of Homeland War Volunteers (UHDDR), Association of Croatian Soldiers- Volunteers and the Association of Croatian Homeland War Veterans (UHVDR). Porges said he had been prompted to meet Homeland war veterans because he had been informed that they were not satisfied with the privatisation process. Porges said the privatisation of other public companies would be conducted in line with the principles of privatisation of the HT. "The principles and methods of exercising the right to HT shares for former soldiers are still being discussed and they will be presented in time", Porges said. UHVDR main secretary Valentino Rajkovic said it was very important for Homeland War veterans to be informed well and in time about their rights and suggested organising various panels and public discussions with the aim of acquainting veterans with their rights. The associations' representatives described today's meeting as successful. Porges announced another meeting, to be attended also by representatives of other veterans' associations. (hina) rml