PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE GOTOVAC ASSAULTED - INCIDENT DENOUNCED

ZAGREB, June 6 (Hina) - A Croatian presidential candidate, Social Liberal Vlado Gotovac, was assaulted and lightly injured at an election campaign rally in Pula on Thursday evening. At Pula's main square, a young man dressed in military uniform attacked Gotovac from behind. Gotovac staggered and fell down, receiving injuries to his head and left leg, but managed to finish his speech. Croatian Defence Ministry's political department stated on Friday morning that Croatian Army's drunk captain first class attacked Gotovac. The captain was immediately suspended and is now in custody. An investigation into the incident is under way. "The Defence Ministry condemned most energetically this violent act, and it will take tough measures in order to absolutely prevent such cases," read the statement signed by the Ministry's political department head, major general Ivan Tolj. The Croatian Electoral Commission, on Friday issued a statement, due to the incident, expressing "dissatisfaction with and deep regret over irresponsible behaviour of individuals." The Commission stressed that election was a ceremonial act and called on the public to behave in the dignified manner in the rest of the run-up to the presidential election (scheduled to be June 15). On Friday also, Pula police said at a news conference that despite warning of bouncers and policemen not to approach the stand, the assailant used their lack of attention, jumped on the stand and pushed Gotovac who fell down and received light injuries. If police and security workers failed to perform their duty, the adequate action would be taken, the police told the conference. (hina) jn mš 061309 MET jun 97