ZAGREB, Dec 4 (Hina) - The Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday apologised to Croatia's political parties, the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) in particular, and the entire Croatian public for negligence relative to
impending parliamentary elections which occurred at the consulate general in Munich. The Ministry today issued a statement in the wake of comments voiced by the HSLS and its president Drazen Budisa, and a Constitutional Court decision regarding irregularities in preparations for elections which occurred at the Munich consulate general. The statement says the Foreign Ministry, as well as diplomatic missions and consular offices, is taking part in the implementation of elections, by providing organisational and technical assistance, strictly according to and in the spirit of the Law on Elections for the House of Representatives of the Croatian National P
ZAGREB, Dec 4 (Hina) - The Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on
Saturday apologised to Croatia's political parties, the Croatian
Social Liberal Party (HSLS) in particular, and the entire Croatian
public for negligence relative to impending parliamentary
elections which occurred at the consulate general in Munich.
The Ministry today issued a statement in the wake of comments voiced
by the HSLS and its president Drazen Budisa, and a Constitutional
Court decision regarding irregularities in preparations for
elections which occurred at the Munich consulate general.
The statement says the Foreign Ministry, as well as diplomatic
missions and consular offices, is taking part in the implementation
of elections, by providing organisational and technical
assistance, strictly according to and in the spirit of the Law on
Elections for the House of Representatives of the Croatian National
Parliament.
The Ministry says it does not make any decisions relative to the
matter alone, but acts in keeping with Mandatory Instructions of
the State Electoral Commission.
"Certain preliminary activities have been implemented (before the
instructions were passed) to provide all necessary conditions for
good organisation and later implementation of elections in
diplomatic missions and consular offices," the statement says.
Commenting on omissions registered at the Munich consulate general
office, the Foreign Ministry said in the statement, "while carrying
out preliminary activities there occurred certain omissions which
in the meantime have been eliminated, and which have and will in no
way affect the organisation and implementation of elections."
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs guarantees that elections in
diplomatic missions and consular offices of the Republic of Croatia
will be carried out strictly according to legal procedure and in
keeping with the Mandatory Instructions of the State Electoral
Commission, and in a democratic atmosphere," the statement says.
Foreign Minister Mate Granic personally forwarded letters to all
heads of diplomatic missions and consular offices drawing
attention to the matter, and demanding utmost seriousness,
professionalism, and complete compliance with electoral
legislation and State Electoral Commission instructions.
(hina) ha