LOWER HOUSE DEBATES FOREIGN AFFAIRS BILL

ZAGREB, Jun 7 (Hina) - The House of Representatives today closed a debate on a Foreign Affairs Bill. Presenting the Bill, Foreign Minister Mate Granic said it regulated the structure of diplomatic services in Croatia and abroad, the procedure for appointing officials and the professional requirements they must meet. Croatia's diplomatic network was highly economical in comparison with some other countries, Granic said. Croatia had 73 representation offices abroad, including 45 embassies, 7 missions, 20 consulates and general consulates and one office (in Belgrade), while Belgium had 98 embassies and Austria 110 embassies and other representation offices. The Foreign Ministry employed 388 civil servants in Zagreb and 468 abroad, while Belgium employed 2.5 times that number, Granic said. "Our network is economical, it meets our current needs and we are not planning to extend it at the moment," he said. Foreign affairs accounted for 0.85 percent of the national budget, but more funds were necessary in view of the fact that the network was still in its initial stage. Only three members took the floor to discuss the proposed amendments. The House then proceeded to debate the Firefighting Bill. (hina) jn as 071241 MET jun 96