CRO PARLIAMENT TO SEND BILL ON MINORITY EDUCATION TO THIRD READING

READING $ ZAGREB, 2 Oct (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament House of Representatives tonight ended a several-hour-long discussion on the final bill on education in minority languages. The MPs decided to send the bill to the third reading. Education and Sports Minister Ljilja Vokic said that the bill confirmed all rights to education which had been regulated by former laws. At the end of a heated discussion, Vokic too agreed that the bill should be sent to the third reading. According to the bill, Croatian citizens who consider themselves to be members of an ethnic minority, can enroll in schools which have classes in minority languages. During the enrollment procedure, ethnic affiliation is stated, but it does not have to be proved (Article 10). In exceptional cases, (Article 11), Croats would also be able to enroll in such schools if there are empty places left and if the schools can provide classes in the Croatian language. Exactly those two articles caused most reactions of Opposition and minority representatives. They proposed that Article 10 (on ethnic affiliation) be modified and Article 11 (on exceptional and conditional enrollment of Croat children in minority schools) be excluded from the bill. Opposition and minority representatives hold that the bill 'has gone too far in its care for ethnic purity of the Croatian national being'. They also hold that all children should be able to enroll in schools under same conditions. Ninety per cent of European countries do not prevent anyone from enrolling in minority schools. The 1979 Act on Education in Minority Languages was more liberal, Opposition and minority MPs said, demanding that acquired rights be respected. On the other side, representatives of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) hold that the bill is good and that it respects ethnic rights. The bill is in line with the Croatian Constitution and Constitutional Law on Human and Minority Rights, HDZ representatives contended. (hina) rm jn 022026 MET oct 96