HOUSE OF COUNTIES PASSES EASTERN SLAVONIA AMNESTY ACT, CLOSES SESS

SESS $ ION ZAGREB, May 8 (Hina) - The House of Counties today passed the Areas of Special Government Care Act and the Amnesty for Crimes Committed in Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Srijem Act. The Eastern Slavonia Amnesty Act abrogates legal proceedings against the perpetrators of crimes against the Republic of Croatia in eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Srijem from August 17, 1990 to the beginning of the demilitarisation process by UNTAES. War criminals and the perpetrators of the most serious crimes against the Republic of Croatia are excluded from amnesty under the Act. The Act is aimed at speeding up the demilitarisation of the Croatian Danubian area and facilitating the return of refugees and the overall reintegration of these areas, according to the preamble. The Areas of Special Government Care Act was presented by Reconstruction and Development Minister Jure Radic. The Act would stimulate the return of refugees and make it possible for Croats expelled from Serbia and the Serb-controlled part of Bosnia, as well as diaspora returnees, to settle in these areas under favourable conditions. The Act envisages a number of incentives, such as tax and customs benefits, job creation etc. The House rejected a Bill of Amendments to the Judiciary Council Act, propounded by MP Vladimir Primorac. The Bill proposed modalities for speedily relieving of their duties those members of the Judiciary Council who failed to comply with the Courts Act, other legislation and the Constitution. During a rather heated debate, the Bill was backed by many Opposition members, who said the Council was in part responsible for the difficult situation in the judiciary. HDZ members, on the other hand, argued that such a law would encroach on the autonomy of Council members. The House also enacted Amendments to the Health Care Act and Amendments to the Health Insurance Act, after which the session was closed. (hina) as 082029 MET may 96