SDP, EUROPEAN FORUM FOR SOLIDARITY AND DEMOCRACY REPS HOLD TALKS

ZAGREB, June 19 (Hina) - Representatives of Croatia's Social- Democratic Party (SDP) held talks with representatives of the Brussels-based European Forum for Solidarity and Democracy, in Zagreb on Saturday. We said that we wished to contribute to strengthening ties between Croatia and democratic Europe, SDP president Ivica Racan said at a joint news conference after the talks. The president of the Forum, whose administrative committee is holding a session in Zagreb, and president of Austria's National Council of Parliaments, Heinz Fischer, said the Forum was monitoring the situation in Croatia closely. He believed social democrats were the power to guide Croatia towards democratisation and establishment of a just system. Fischer said the two sides discussed measures which were being taken by the SDP and the "Opposition Six" in strengthening Croatia's ties with democratic Europe, and exchanged views on the current situation in the country. The talks focused on the latest developments in the country and post-election development prospects, as well as on a report by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, problems and progress, and the possibility of a more intensive cooperation between Europe and Croatia, Fischer said. He added that his delegation was interested in SDP's assessment of political views and activities of the most important political groups in Croatia, as well as in the election legislation and possibilities of a free and fair election with a free media. He recalled that the European Forum for Solidarity and Democracy had been founded in the early 90s, at the beginning of major changes in Europe. The purpose of the Forum was to contribute to the strengthening of democracy in all European countries, especially those in transition, Fisher added. The Forum delegation also included a vice-president of the European Parliament, Magdalene Hoff. (hina) rml