GOENCZ MEETS CROATIAN OPPOSITION REPRESENTATIVES

ZAGREB, Sept 28 (Hina) - Hungarian President Arpad Goencz and representatives of the Opposition Six on Tuesday in Zagreb discussed the situation in Croatia and the region, Croatia-Hungary relations, and the election law. #L# "We informed the Hungarian President of the political situation in Croatia with emphasis on that segment which is important for bilateral relations", coordinator for the Opposition Six Vlado Gotovac said after the meeting. Present at the meeting were representatives of five Opposition parties: Vlado Gotovac of the Liberal Party (LS), Zlatko Tomcic of the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS), Stipe Mesic of the Croatian People's Party (HNS), Damir Kajin of the Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS), and Goran Granic of the Croatian Social-Liberal Party (HSLS). The representative of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) did not attend the meeting and his opposition colleagues could not explain his absence. According to Gotovac, the Hungarian President was also interested in Croatia's attitude toward other problems in the region, especially in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. "We explained to the Hungarian President how those relations would look like in the event the Opposition Six came to power", Gotovac said. Relations between Hungary and Croatia are good, Gotovac said on behalf of the Opposition Six, adding they could be even better "if the Opposition takes over power". Goencz also wanted to know about preparations for the election law and opposition officials informed him about their talks with the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), which are currently suspended. "Hungary is willing to relay to Croatia all the necessary experience, which the Hungarians gained considering that they have already passed part of integration processes before us", Gotovac said, adding the offer was "welcome to both the current authorities and those which will be formed after the elections". Following the meeting with the Opposition, Goencz and his hosts laid a wreath at the Homeland Altar on Mt Medvednica overlooking Zagreb. (hina) rml