CROATIA'S UPPER HOUSE SUPPORTS PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES ( Editorial: --> 0234 )

( Editorial: --> 0234 ) ZAGREB, Nov 12 (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament's upper House of Counties on Wednesday endorsed a proposal by President Franjo Tudjman for constitutional changes with a large majority of votes. The proposal was backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party and a majority of the opposition deputies. The Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) rejected the proposal. The Legislature Committee particularly supported an amendment to article 135, prohibiting the association of Croatia in alliances with other states which might lead to the restoration of a Yugoslav state community or any form of Balkan state association. "This provision prevents for good any attempt at establishing links towards the east and shows that all roads of Croatia as a modern and democratic state lead to the west," committee member Ivan Brlekovic said. Zarko Katic of the HSLS said that the amendment did not have any "real, practical significance" and that it need not be incorporated in the Constitution, because "the majority of citizens today, and I hope in the future, will consider the possibility of association unnecessary and will reject it uncompromisingly." By contrast, HDZ deputy Pasko Bubalo said that the proposed amendment would implement the will of the people making sure "that such links never again materialise." "If we are representatives of the people, expressing their will, then let's put it down in the Constitution," Bubalo said. Explaining why the HSLS rejected the draft amendments, Tereza Ganza-Aras said that the proposed initiative was superficial and inadequate, and that much more time should be ensured for discussion. Ganza-Aras also criticised the proposal for expanding the powers of the President of the Republic and reducing those of the House of Counties. House speaker Katica Ivanisevic dismissed the allegation that the proposed amendments provided for the reduction of the House of Counties' powers. (hina) vm jn 121656 MET nov 97