CROATIAN GOVT ADOPTS SEVERAL DECISIONS AT FRIDAY SESSION

ZAGREB, Dec 18 (Hina) - The Croatian Government on Friday adopted the final bill on construction, which, among other advantages, simplifies and accelerates the process of obtaining construction permits, the Government communications office said. The bill was adopted at today's session, held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa. The Government also adopted a bill on the ratification of a contract on social insurance between Croatia and The Netherlands, as well as a regulation adopting the increase of Croatia's quota in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The session also adopted an analysis of global movements in tourism in the first nine months this year, a programme of preparations for the next tourist season, and a national plan of search and rescue at sea. The Government also decided to institute a procedure for the signing of a memorandum approving the activities of the European Community Monitoring Mission. If signed, the memorandum will be the first bilateral political document between Croatia and EU member- states. The session decided to start procedures to sign a contract on a Japan donation to be used for preparations for a project on the prevention of flooding in the upper course of the Sava River basin between Croatia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Government decided to establish a national commission for climatic changes and adopted a proposal on appointing Ljubinko Matesic as Croatia's consul-general to Australia, based in Sydney. (hina) mm rml