PARTY BENCHES ON NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY

( Editorial: --> 3164 ) ZAGREB, Feb 19 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House of Representatives on Thursday debated the Government's proposal for a national policy of employment. In the debate that followed the government's presentation, most MPs seemed to agree that the programme was a step in the right direction, but should be followed as soon as possible by the adoption of operative measures that would ensure its prompt implementation. On behalf of the parliamentary labour and welfare committee, Snjezana Biga-Friganovic urged that the programme be discussed in two readings rather than just one, after the Economic-Social Council had given its opinion. The idea of two readings was supported by several members, including Damir Kajin (Istrian Democratic Assembly). "If any issue calls for consensus, it is employment," Kajin pronounced. Ante Tukic, on behalf of the Bench of the Croatian Social-Liberal Party, criticised the programme for its lack of clarity on such issues as the sources of funds needed for its implementation. Josko Kovac (Croatian Peasants' Party) called for measures designed to encourage small entrepreneurs, family farms and a more expansive loans policy. Social Democratic Party leader Ivica Racan voiced a cautious approval of the employment policy, which he said needed further development in the areas of export stimulation and the reduction of commodities deficit. Djuro Njavro (Croatian Democratic Union) drew the House's attention to the continuous growth of the gross national product since 1994. "The Programme outlines the measures but every Government measure must be in the function of a long-term goal - economic growth, employment growth and growth of salaries," Njavro explained. Discussing the part of the proposal dealing with the employment of war veterans, Janko Bobetko on behalf of the War Veterans Committee stressed the need to ensure that veterans be given priority when it comes to employment, as well as every facility for retraining. (hina) mm as mb 191600 MET feb 98