SDP, HSLS COMPLETE ELECTION PROGRAMME

ZAGREB, Nov 12 (Hina) - The Social Democratic Party/ Croatian Social Liberal Party coalition (SDP/HSLS) on Friday completed the drawing up of its election programme, which will be made public on the day the elections are called, the coalition spokesman Tihomir Ladisic said on Friday. The coalition entitled its election declaration "The New Direction of Croatian Politics". Ladisic said the parties' leaders today also agreed on 50 candidates on joint election lists, one third of the candidates being women. The lists should soon be confirmed by the HSLS and SDP Head Committees, said Ladisic. According to Ladisic, in case it wins the elections, the coalition will not decrease salaries but it will certainly cut public spending. He added the two parties would have a positive future- oriented campaign and not attack their rivals. The parties' presidents Ivica Racan and Drazen Budisa and their spokesman reiterated that the Sabor should be in session until the expiry of its mandate (November 27) due to the condition of President Franjo Tudjman. Budisa and Racan also hoped President Tudjman would recover. "On my own behalf and on behalf of the HSLS, I wish the President may overcome the current situation and his disease, as he did before", Budisa said. "On behalf of the SDP I hope that the President will overcome his serious condition and that we will be able to do what is good and necessary for Croatia", said Racan. Spokesman Ladisic, who is a reporter with Croatian Television (HTV), told reporters today's press conference was his first as the coalition's spokesman, adding he would not be working for HTV for the next couple of months. (hina) mm rml.