ZAGREB, July 2 (Hina) - The president of the Croatian People's Party (HNS), Vesna Pusic, said on Tuesday that her party would remain in the government only if the Social Liberal Party (HSLS) withdrew from it. On the contrary, the HNS
would leave both the government and the ruling coalition and suggest to Prime Minister Ivic Racan to form a new government.
ZAGREB, July 2 (Hina) - The president of the Croatian People's Party
(HNS), Vesna Pusic, said on Tuesday that her party would remain in
the government only if the Social Liberal Party (HSLS) withdrew
from it. On the contrary, the HNS would leave both the government
and the ruling coalition and suggest to Prime Minister Ivic Racan to
form a new government. #L#
The project of Croatia becoming a modern European state will no
longer be an issue on the agenda if the HSLS remains in the
government and coalition, Pusic said.
"It has become evident that in the past year, including the recent
demonstration surrounding the ratification of the Croatian-
Slovene Krsko power plant deal, the HSLS has been obstructing this
project," Pusic told reporters after a session of the party's
presidency.
She recalled that the ruling coalition was built on the foundations
of a modern Croatia project with strong economic development,
although it was reputed to have been formed as a result of
opposition against the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).
The HNS advocates economic revival projects, orientation towards
the European Union, good relations with neighbours, and reform of
the justice system, and we wish to continue working on this and help
the country become one in which these projects may be realised
during the remaining mandate of a year and a half, Pusic said.
The HSLS's suggestion that elections be held on January 19, 2003, is
unacceptable, Pusic said, adding that this would make parties
abandon all projects and concentrate on the electoral campaign.
Pusic told reporters that her party would suggest that the Premier
propose a new government.
Asked whether this would result in a minority government, Pusic
said not necessarily. A majority government is also possible, since
regional parties support HNS's stances, she said.
(hina) lml sb