BILL ON SALARIES OF STATE OFFICIALS KINDLES HEATED DEBATE

( Editorial: --> 6725 ) ZAGREB, 9 July (Hina)- The House of Counties of the Croatian Parliament closed on Thursday night a debate on a bill on rights and duties of state officials. Although the bill is primarily meant to prevent a possible conflict between public and private interests, a several hour debate evolved mostly around the proposed salaries of state officials. Most MPs stressed that the salaries should reflect the present Croatian moment and circumstances. Yet, the opposing voices claimed that the bill is meant to check the exodus of experts from state institutions due to low salaries. The bill is not prefect but it contains important mechanisms for prevention of corruption and abuse of power, the HDZ MP Vladimir Seks said. He supported the provision banning the participation of state officials on boards of directors and supervisory bodies of state and private companies, unless prescribed by the law. His stand was backed by some Opposition MPs. The SDP will vote against the bill because it finds raising of salaries of state officials at the time of severe economic difficulties morally unacceptable. That view is shared by the HCSP and the HSS which, however, stressed the importance of the presence of competent experts in the executive and the judiciary branches of the Government. The HSLS will present its final stand on the bill after it considers the amendments. Irrespective of their party affiliations, the MPs supported the initiative for the establishment of an ethics commission that would look into cases of clash of private and public interests. The Parliament committee for election, nomination and administration suggested that the law be put into effect on 1 August, which would leave the Parliament one month to prepare its implementation. (Hina) jn mr 092223 MET jul 98