PRESIDENT'S OFFICE: THERE WAS NO INTERFERENCE IN 'BARAC CASE'

( Editorial: --> 8598 ) ZAGREB, Sept 7 (Hina) - Despite some media headlines, the Croatian President in no way interfered with the criminal proceedings against the former chairman of the Dubrovacka Banka Supervisory Board, Neven Barac, and other persons involved in the "Dubrovacka Banka" case, nor with their arrest and release, the President's Office said on Monday. The President has always advocated consistent respect for the legal procedure and he in no way influenced or wanted to influence the investigation, the President's Office said in a statement. As regards the case of Neven Barac and the investigation into the business operations of Dubrovacka Banka, the President insisted, as he always does, in line with his powers, that the proceedings be lawful and speedy. Barac was taken into custody in April this year, on suspicion of abusing his authority and forging official documents. In line with a ruling of the Dubrovnik County Court, Barac was released from prison on September 3. On September 2, the State Attorney's Office in Dubrovnik issued an indictment against Barac and the director of the Dubrovnik-based company "Medijator", Mirko Obrvan. (hina) jn rml/sp 071517 MET sep 98