SSSH AND OPPOSITION FOUR SIGN AGREEMENT FOR FAIR CROATIA

ZAGREB, Nov 19 (Hina) - The Alliance of Croatian Independent Unions (SSSH) on Friday signed an Agreement for a Fair Croatia with representatives of the Opposition Four -- Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS), Liberal Party (LS), Croatian People's Party (HNS) and Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS). Having signed the same agreement with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) two days before, Croatia's biggest union alliance has assumed an obligation to fully support the Opposition at the upcoming elections, in exchange for a pledge that, should the Opposition win, it would try to fulfil the SSSH's economic and social requests. In line with the Agreement, the four parties have committed themselves to, in case they stand in authority, they would adopt a strategy of the economic and social development of Croatia; carry out the control and audit of the Opposition; establish the lowest salary in the country at the level of a minimum necessary for living; lower the rate of the Value Added Tax with an expansion of the zero rate; introduce a progressive tax system and tax relief for creating new jobs; enable free elementary schooling and guarantee the basic health protection and social security to all citizens, especially the elderly. Union leaders have announced that they would immediately begin suggesting to members and their families to vote for the Opposition in the elections. (hina) lml jn