HDZ AND HDZ OF BH TO FURTHER COOPERATE WELL

( Editorial: --> 7573 ) ZAGREB, May 29 (Hina) - Secretary-General of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) Ivan Valent on Friday announced, following a meeting with the new leadership of the HDZ of Bosnia-Herzegovina, that cooperation between the two sister parties would be on the same high level it was in the past years. "We discussed all issues which are based on the interests of the Croatian people in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia as well as HDZ and its cooperation with other parties in B-H," Valent told journalists following a meeting with the new president of the HDZ of B-H Ante Jelavic. At the convention of HDZ of B-H held on 16 May in Mostar, Ante Jelavic was not supported by Zagreb. In the Federation of Bosnia- Herzegovina Jelavic holds the office of defence minister. "This was an exceptionally significant meeting," said Jelavic. They touched on HDZ's preparations for the September elections in B-H and registration of voters who are settled in Croatia as well as the functioning of the Federation and application of the Dayton agreement, especially the implementation of its civil part, said Valent and Jelavic. Asked who will be HDZ's candidate for the BH Presidency member, Jelavic answered that the presidency of the HDZ of B-H will put forward a suggestion within the next week. He did not however wish to comment on the rumours his candidate would be the current Foreign Minister Jadranko Prlic, and not the current member of the B-H Presidency Kresimir Zubak, who is allegedly supported by Zagreb. Journalists asked Jelavic to comment on announcements that some Boze Ljubic supporters were going to leave the party. Boze Ljubic was not elected as president of HDZ of B-H even though he was supported by HDZ president Franjo Tudjman. Jelavic said the departures would not be good but it is the democratic right of every individual to independently decide. (hina) jn bag 291947 MET may 98