WORKING GROUP FOR DRAWING UP CHANGES TO LAW ON HRT HOLDS SESSION

ZAGREB, July 14 (Hina) - A working group for drawing up changes to the Law on Croatian Radio-Television (HRT), which consists of representatives of the majority Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and six Opposition parties, on Wednesday held their second meeting. HDZ negotiators said the suggestion of the Opposition Six that a special committee for the openness to the public of the HRT be formed was acceptable. However, the HDZ offered an alternative proposal that a subscribers' council be formed instead. The HDZ did not accept the Opposition's proposal that only two representatives - one from the HDZ and the other from the Opposition - sit on the council. HDZ negotiators explained their proposal that the powers of the HRT Council be expanded - upon suggestions by the management, the Council would make decisions on subscriber fees, benefits and payment, and give its opinion on candidates for members of the management (who would be proposed by the Supervisory Committee). The HDZ remained by their earlier stand that there is no need for the House of Representatives, i.e. the Sabor, which is HRT's founder and owner, to waive its right to appoint members of the HRT Council. Opposition Six representatives described these proposals as constructive, announcing that each party would soon voice its opinion on the proposals. (hina) jn rml