LOWER HOUSE DEBATES VUKOJEVIC AMENDMENT TO LAW OF OBLIGATIONS

ZAGREB, Jan 17 (Hina) - The House of Representatives today addressed a Bill of Amendments to the Law of Obligations under emergency procedure. The Bill was tabled by Member Vice Vukojevic (HDZ). Opening the debate, Vukojevic explained that the Bill proposed to revoke Article 180 under which the state had to compensate the material and non-material damage caused by terrorist activities or aggression. Vukojevic argued that this provision was a remainder of Yugoslav legislation and that it was unknown to European legislations. Under the European Convention on Compensation, the state was not bound to compensate for damage inflicted by unknown persons, he said. Yet another argument was the possible cost to the Treasury if citizens were to avail themselves of this opportunity. Since 1992, the impugned article has generated 151 lawsuits worth over 64 million kuna. Under the Vukojevic Amendment, all these lawsuits would be suspended. Several members criticised the Amemdments on the grounds of unconstitutionality, among others. Replying to critics, Vladimir Seks (HDZ) reiterated that no European legislation included such a provision. Postponing the vote on the Vukojevic amendment, the House proceeded to the Question Time. (hina) as 171639 MET jan 96