PRESIDENT'S WIFE'S ACCOUNT DISCLOSED BY LONGTIME BANK EMPLOYEE

( Editorial: --> 9761 ) ZAGREB, Oct 19 (Hina) - A long-time Zagrebacka Bank employee was the person who leaked to the press information on the bank account of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman's wife Ankica. According to Tuesday's issue of "Jutarnji List" daily, which published that information, Ankica Lepej on Monday reported to the Bank's administration and made her admission. Lepej's attorney Vesna Alaburic on Monday evening told Hina that earlier today Lepej decided to contact the bank's administration of her own accord. Lepej's motives to disclose information on Ankica Tudjman's bank account and subsequently come forward as the source of that information were "unbelievably honourable," Alaburic said. According to her attorney, Lepej wanted to protect her colleagues from persecution and suspicion and to stop Zagrebacka Bank money going on further investigation and observation of people. Lepej told "Jutarnji List" it had not crossed her mind to disclose any of the Bank's confidential business matters until she laid eyes on Ankica Tudjman's account which, thus Lepej, was too much of a shock for her. Lepej added she did not expect the one million kuna reward Zagrebacka Bank offered for discovering the source of the information. Her attorney confirmed that if sentenced, Lepej could face between one to five years in prison. (hina) ha 192348 MET oct 98