NEW GOVT TO STOP UNEMPLOYMENT NEXT YEAR -- RACAN

ZAGREB, Dec 31 (Hina) - President of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Ivica Racan on Friday guaranteed that the new government would in the next year stop the growth of unemployment and spur the development of economy, firmly convinced of the opposition's victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Croatia. Racan, a candidate of the SDP, Croatian Social Liberal party (HSLS) coalition candidate for future premier, expressed conviction the spurring of employment could be possible in as little as several months. "I firmly believe that after January 3 a new team is coming to the Government which will be prepared to solve problems and make the necessary changes," Racan said at a news conference. The goals of the new government will be economic development with more than five per cent of growth rates, a decrease in unemployment, political, economic and social stability, and an increase in investments and exports. Racan announced one of the moves of the new government would be to rescind privileges and luxury. "We are prepared to do this, we are great optimists an we are taking on this responsibility," he stressed. Racan reiterated that based on an agreement signed by six opposition parties, the allocation of key positions in the government and parliament would depend on their electoral results. "worn out people will not be use din the new government," Racan said in reply to a question whether any of the current ministers would sit in the new government. Racan announced that Croatia would after the elections very quickly start intensive talks with important factors from Europe and the world in order to improve economic cooperation and to increase good investments. (hina) lml