PASALIC REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF INTELLIGENCE SERVICE MISUSE

( Editorial: --> 7829 ) ZAGREB, Oct 12 (Hina) - "False are the accusations that I misuse the SIS (Security and Intelligence Service), that I am allegedly using it to organise a hunt on other state officials", the Croatian President's advisor for interior affairs Ivic Pasalic said on Monday. Pasalic talked to reporters after testifying at a session of the Committee for Interior Affairs and National Security of the Croatian National Parliament's House of Representatives, called to determine possible misuse of authority and jurisdiction of intelligence services. Pasalic said the level of accusations levelled at him, which include tapping high-ranking Croatian officials, was extremely low and insulting. "I resolutely deny all that was said in accusation of me", he stated. Asked about what questions the Committee had posed, Pasalic said they mainly referred to the interview given by the recently resigned Croatian President's Chief-of-Staff Hrvoje Sarinic. "Franjo Greguric (another Croatian President advisor) did not mention me personally in his interview, but spoke about (the SIS). I answered the questions by saying that I reject and deny that I was in any way included in SIS manipulation and with Markica Rebic (assistant defence minister for intelligence-security issues), and I resolutely denied any involvement in such activities", Pasalic said. Asked about how founded was some evidence Greguric had informed the Committee about, Pasalic said he knew nothing about possible evidence. The Committee members did not put any question quoting documentation which might substantiate the claims made by Sarinic and Greguric, Pasalic explained. Asked when the whole case might end, Pasalic said he did not know, but added he wished as soon as possible. He also told reporters he had asked for his testimony at the session to be open to the public, but the Committee by vote decided on a closed session. Reporters also requested Pasalic to comment on Defence Minister Andrija Hebrang's resignation, handed in today. Pasalic said he had no knowledge of the matter and could not comment. (hina) ha jn 121853 MET oct 98