PARLIAMENT SESSION BREAKS UP, TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW

ZAGREB, March 8 (Hina) - The House of Representatives broke up this afternoon after Opposition members moved that the House debate yesterday's decision of the Croatian TV and Radio Council (HRTV) to ban live Parliament broadcasts. The House opened by passing a 25-item agenda proposed by the Speaker, Nedjeljko Mihanovic. Liberal Member Bozo Kovacevic objected and asked why the election of the first deputy speaker (from among Opposition members) was not on the agenda? Kovacevic's objection and subsequent contributions by various members sparked off a lively debate, fuelled by Opposition members addressing Mihanovic as "Mr. Acting Chairman" or "Mr. Mihanovic," instead of "Mr. Speaker." The Opposition disputes the legitimacy of the May 24 session, at which Speaker Mihanovic was elected in the absence of most Opposition members. HDZ Member Vladimir Seks asked why Opposition members insisted on the election of a a deputy speaker if they would not recognise the Speaker? The House then voted to add the election of a deputy speaker to the agenda. Two draft bills were also added to the agenda: the Bill on Awards and Decorations, proposed by Vladimir Seks, and a Bill regulating the status of the National and University Library, at the request of Drago Krpina (HDZ). Liberal Member Drazen Budisa moved that a debate on the HRTV decision to cancel live Parliament broadcasts be put on the agenda, arguing that the decision affected Parliament's accessibility to public scrutiny. He recalled that these broadcasts had been introduced to "promote democracy" in the first place. Speaker Mihanovic, who doubles as HRT Council member, said the broadcasts had not been "banned but only reduced." He assured the House that all important topics would receive due coverage. "It is not possible to ban the work of the Parliament because some people think we are only arguing and cackling here," Social Democrat Member Ivica Racan put in. Savka Dabcevic Kucar (the Croatian People's Party) defended the public's right to see the "Parliament's unwashed face." Vladmir Seks moved for adjournment. Mihanovic then adjourned the session till tomorrow. (hina) jn as 082102 MET mar 95