CRO PARLIAMENT'S LOWER HOUSE DISCUSSES CROATIAN RAILWAYS

ZAGREB, June 18 (Hina) - In the continuation of a Wednesday session, the Croatian Parliament's House of Representatives discussed the Report on the State, Financial Reorganization, Restructuring and Development of Croatian Railways, presented by Transport Minister Zeljko Luzavec. The Croatian Railways problem could no longer be delayed, Luzavec said and announced rationalization on all fields, from reducing some railroads to reducing the number of employees. However, he stressed, these measures would be accompanied by an appropriate social programme. On behalf of the Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications Committee, Alojz Brkic proposed the Parliament passed an integral strategy for Croatia's transport development. He called on the Government to make use of domestic technology and economy in the financial reorganization of Croatian Railways, and to establish a special directorate for the modernization of the main railway lines. Discussing the report on Croatian Railways, the representatives warned that reduction of railroads could have negative effects on economy and make the already poor communication between the coastal region of Dalmatia and the rest of Croatia even worse. The representatives stressed it would be more appropriate to modernize railroads and build new lines. Today, the Croatian Parliament's Lower House also concluded a discussion on a strategy proposal for Croatia's urban development. (hina) ha jn 181813 MET jun 97