ZAGREB, July 16 (Hina) - Talks between the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and a group of six opposition parties called the 'Opposition Six' were discontinued on Thursday afternoon after the 'Opposition Six' rejected HDZ's
proposal that the election date not be determined yet. The Opposition proposed that the elections be held on December 5 1999, however, HDZ's negotiator Vladimir Seks suggested that the elections be held sometime between December 19, 1999 and January 23, 2000. In that period, the President of the Republic could adopt the decision on calling the elections, Seks said commenting on yesterday's talks in last night's late news broadcast 'Motrista'. Opposition Six coordinator Drazen Budisa was also invited to appear in the broadcast but was unable to attend because of a busy schedule. "It is unbelievable that the whole election law - which has been completely harmonised -
ZAGREB, July 16 (Hina) - Talks between the ruling Croatian
Democratic Union (HDZ) and a group of six opposition parties called
the 'Opposition Six' were discontinued on Thursday afternoon after
the 'Opposition Six' rejected HDZ's proposal that the election date
not be determined yet.
The Opposition proposed that the elections be held on December 5
1999, however, HDZ's negotiator Vladimir Seks suggested that the
elections be held sometime between December 19, 1999 and January
23, 2000. In that period, the President of the Republic could adopt
the decision on calling the elections, Seks said commenting on
yesterday's talks in last night's late news broadcast 'Motrista'.
Opposition Six coordinator Drazen Budisa was also invited to appear
in the broadcast but was unable to attend because of a busy
schedule.
"It is unbelievable that the whole election law - which has been
completely harmonised - is now being jeopardised because we can't
reach an agreement on the election date. On behalf of the HDZ, I made
it very clear that the HDZ agrees that the elections be held
sometime between December 19 this year, including Sunday, December
19, and the latest possible date - January 23, 2000 inclusive, that
is, on any Sunday, except for the one between Christmas and New
Year. The President of the republic has the constitutional
obligation and right to determine the election date when making the
decision on calling the elections. The HDZ cannot determine the
exact day of elections not only because it is the President's
constitutional obligation and right but because the election date
depends on various circumstances", Seks said.
Also, the HDZ cannot suggest the exact election date "because
stands on the election legislation package have not been harmonised
yet".
By suggesting several possible election dates, the HDZ has
fulfilled its obligation to try to reach a consensual agreement on
the election date with the Opposition, Seks said.
According to the May 25 agreement between the Opposition and the
HDZ, the election package must be adopted by the Croatian National
Sabor four months before the election day.
"The election law package will be adopted by the Croatian National
Sabor four months before the election date, in line with the
agreement. The HDZ will try to abide by that...", Seks said.
He described yesterday's discontinuation of talks as a mere
"delay", adding the HDZ wanted to make it clear to the Croatian
public that it was not responsible for the delay and that it would do
all in its power to accept all solutions which were in line with
European democratic standards.
The Opposition Six and the HDZ yesterday also failed to reach an
agreement on changes to the Law on Croatian Radio-Television and
postal voting.
(hina) rml