CRO EMPLOYERS VIEW 1999 BUSINESS YEAR AS HARDEST IN LAST 10 YEARS

ZAGREB, Dec 15 (Hina) - The Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) described the 1999 business year as the most difficult according to the economic results in the nine years since the Republic of Croatia won its independence. During the Christmas briefing organised for reporters by the HUP, its President Branko Roglic said employers and Croatian economy were expecting that in the coming year politicians who make decisions would be ready to take over their part of responsibility in settling very deep economic problems and simultaneously respect interests and experiences of businessmen. Roglic told reporters that this year's warning forecasts of the HUP came true, particularly forecasts made in April that this year there would be no enough time for settling serious economic problems due to pre-election activities. He complained that during 1999 no adequate cooperation had been established between th Government and the HUP, adding that despite invitations Government officials failed to attend important HUP gatherings and meetings. Therefore we can only hope that with the new year, "arrogance will disappear which was shown all the year toward HUP warnings, assessments and proposals while employers were trying to give their contribution and assume a part of responsibility for stopping negative economic trends and for ensuring social stability," Roglic added. (hina) ms