PEOPLE'S TRIBUNE JOSIP PANKRETIĆ BURIED NEAR ZAGREB

( Editorial: --> 4215 ) Vrbovec, 13 January (Hina) - Josip Pankretić, Croatian Parliament MP and deputy president of the Croatian Peasants' Party (the HSS) was buried today at the local cemetary in Dijaneš near Vrbovec, 30 kimometres NE of Zagreb. Along with his family Pankretić (1933- 1998) was seen to his grave by representatives of the Croatian Parliament, his colleagues from the HSS, heads of Croatian parliamentary parties and many friends and admirers from all over Croatia. In his farewell speech president of the Parliament Vlatko Pavletić said that Pankretić was a very gifted politician, who was successful because he did not rely on any theory or dogma but on pure truth. He added that both for the HSS and for all other Croatian parties Pankretić would remain a paragon and a proof that a politician can advocate common good, ignoring partial interests. We have lost a popular people's tribune, said the HSS's president Zlatko Tomčić, while reminiscing about Pankretić's straightforwardness in his contacts with people, as well as in his speech and public appearances. (Hina) mm mr 131924 MET jan 98