SIX OPPOSITION PARTIES STICK WITH RESIGNATION DECISION

ZAGREB, Nov 13 (Hina) - Talks between Croatian parliament president Vlatko Pavletic and representatives of party benches did not influence the decision of six opposition parties to resign on all parliamentary duties, bar party bench mandates. The ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) continues to deny the opposition's request to resume discussion on the proposed establishment of an investigating committee for the so called "SIS (Security and Intelligence Service) scandal." "I clearly said on the HDZ's behalf that nothing will come out of such an ultimatum and dictate, that further talks with the representatives of six opposition parties can't be based on ultimatum and dictate", said HDZ representative Vladimir Seks. Referring to the Rule Book, Pavletic told reporters that every bench holder, besides plenary sessions, has the right and obligation to participate the committees' work. The Rule Book, however, does not envisage any sanctions for not participating the committees' work. Pavletic appealed to parliamentary benches to "continue to communicate", so that mutual concessions could be achieved through talks without any conditions. Luka Trconic of the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS) said the opposition six would be active at the plenary and committees sessions, however, they would restrain from voting at committees sessions. The resignations of the opposition representatives will not jeopardise their voters' interest, Trconic added. Seks also claimed that by resigning the opposition representatives were violating the Rule Book. He noted the possibility of negative effect on salaries would be discussed for representatives who refuse without justification to participate in the work of the committees or the plenary session. Today's meeting, closed to the public, was attended by representatives of parliamentary benches of the HDZ, the HSS, the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), the Liberal Party (LS), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Croatian Peoples' Party (HNS)/ Istrian Democratic Forum (IDF), the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP), as well as of independent parliamentary benches of minorities. Representatives of the Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) were not present at the meeting for they left Zagreb before the meeting was called. (hina) it jn/ha