MATESA SOON TO PROPOSE CANDIDATE FOR NEW JUSTICE MINISTER

( Editorial: --> 8167 ) ZAGREB, April 20 (Hina) - The Croatian Prime Minister will present his proposal for a new justice minister to the President after consultations on the candidate end within ten days. The former justice minister, Miroslav Separovic, has been appointed head of the Croatian Intelligence Service (HIS). The appointment was done in consultations with Separovic, Premier Zlatko Matesa told Hina Monday. He supports the former justice minister's appointment to the new position as he believes Separovic is a "person with deeply ingrained democratic values and a firm commitment to lawfulness, (and) the preservation and promotion of all institutions of the rule of law". Separovic's appointment as head of HIS is a good solution for Croatia's overall democratic development in the future and is simultaneously a recognition to Separovic for his work to date, the Prime Minister told Hina. The Croatian President's Office today reported that President Franjo Tudjman had accepted the request of HIS head Miroslav Tudjman to be relieved of his duties, and appointed Miroslav Separovic as his replacement. (hina) ha/mb 201841 MET apr 98