COUNTY HOUSE DEBATES OFFICIALS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES

( Editorial: --> 5038 ) ZAGREB, July 1 (Hina)- The County House of the Croatian Parliament on Wednesday adopted by simple majority a law on the rights and duties of state officials. The law is intended to prevent clashes of public and private interests. The law obliges state officials to state their private property when assuming duties and bans them from membership on boards of directors and supervisory committees in certain companies and institutions. According to the law, state officials will need special permits for private businesses, will not be allowed to invest and accept gifts that could make them dependent on any Croatian or foreign company, association or individual. One of the amendments asked that the statements included officials' total property, both in Croatia and abroad. Administration Minister Marijan Ramuscak supported the amendments calling for equal salaries for presidents of the House of Representatives and the House of Counties. Consequently, the salary of the president of the House of Counties will equal 80 per cent of the salary of the Croatian president. The law entitles all the state officials to life insurance, whose form and premium will be determined by the Government. The 81th session of the House of Counties will be resumed on Thursday. (Hina) jn mr 012028 MET jul 98