CROATIAN LOWER HOUSE DISCUSSES BANKING SYSTEM ( Editorial: --> 8656 )

( Editorial: --> 8656 ) ZAGREB, Nov 6 (Hina) - The present situation in the Croatian banking system, with regard to solvency and liquidity, is better than last year thanks to the rehabilitation of banks, National Bank of Croatia (NBH) Governor Marko Skreb said on Thursday. In a report to the lower house of parliament on the situation in the banking system at the end of last year, Skreb announced that the NBH would intensify its control over banks and savings banks, saying that the risk of good or bad decisions would be borne by shareholders. Skreb said that the integration of banks and the arrival of a larger number of foreign banks in Croatia could be expected. Expressing their support for the report during a discussion, deputies drew attention to the problem of high interest rates and pointed out the importance of banking for the economy. (hina) vm jn 061617 MET nov 97