AS OF 1999 TO EUROPE WITHOUT INSURANCE GREEN CARD

( Editorial: --> 2549 ) ZAGREB, Sept 23 (Hina) - From January 1, 1999, vehicles with Croatian registration plates will be able to enter European Union (EU) countries and some associate member countries (Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland) without drivers having to show their insurance green cards. The Croatian Insurance Office was accepted to the membership of the EU's international system of insurance - the Multilateral Guarantee Agreement (MGA). The agreement specifies that registration plates of MGA member countries is evidence enough of their insurance coverage. Insurance coverage is guaranteed by the national insurance offices of the countries vehicles are registered in. The Croatian Insurance Office will submit a proposal to the Foreign Ministry that vehicles with Croatian registration plates should be allowed to use the same lane as EU and Slovene vehicles while entering Italy and Austria. (Hina) sp jn/rml 231813 MET sep 98