UPPER HOUSE ENDORSES BUDGET EXECUTION REPORT

( Editorial: --> 0162 ) ZAGREB, June 16 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House of Counties began its Tuesday session with a debate on changes and amendments to the Arms Act. The government has suggested stricter provisions in the otherwise good and up-to-date Arms Act following events which endangered the general security situation, Deputy Interior Minister Zlatko Gledec said. He recalled the murder of seven people in Slavonski Brod, as well as the "easiness in taking up arms". The government suggests that the age limit for granting arm- carrying permits be raised from 18 to 21, that the granting of arm- possession papers be limited to five years, with a compulsory physical check-up, as well as considerably stricter fines. After a comprehensive debate, the government representative gave up the urgency of the said bill. The Upper House endorsed a bill on the official use of the language and alphabet of national minorities, which restricts official use to towns and municipalities, not counties. Also endorsed was a report on the execution of the state budget for 1997, according to which the total revenue reached US$5.2 billion, and expenditure US$5.3 billion. The Upper House positively assessed a three bill-package implementing measures from the National Employment Policy. (hina) ha jn 161839 MET jun 98