CRO EMPLOYERS HELD 15 MINUTE SYMBOLIC PROTEST

ZAGREB, Nov 19 (Hina) - The Croatian Employers Association (HUP) organised a 15- minute symbolic protest on Thursday at 12 p.m., to stress the disturbing economic situation and lack of measures for urgent problem solving. The protest was participated by four to five thousand Croatian companies, of which almost one half are not members of HUP, said Zeljko Ivancevic, the main director of HUP. The companies, participating in the protest, addressed the Croatian Government with a short message of support to the HUP, and containing a request for changes to economic politics and urgent measures which should solve economic problems, particularly the increasing insolvency. The Croatian Economy Minister Nenad Porges expressed his regret about the HUP's protest. "This is the worst solution, for no agreement can be reached without communication", said Porges in his statement for Hina adding, that HUP has the right to express its dissatisfaction. The Government is aware of all existing problems, said Porges and added that he would intervene for the renewal of talks between the government and employers. He also noted that there was "a strange coincidence of events in Croatian political life, involving the unions, opposition parties and the HUP" Zeljko Ivancevic pointed out that most of the measures demanded by HUP are not in Economy Minister's scope. The Finance Minister and the Prime Minister are authorised to discuss these demands. "We have good contacts with Porges, but unfortunately not with Matesa and Skegro", Ivancevic concluded. (hina) it jn/sp