CROATIAN TRADE UNIONS ASK FOR LOWER VAT RATE ( Editorial: --> 9028 )

( Editorial: --> 9028 ) ZAGREB, 7 Nov (Hina) - The Association of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH) is not against the introduction of value added tax but it thinks that, considering the economic and social situation in Croatia, one should introduce a single VAT rate of 17%, instead of the envisaged 22%. Should the VAT rate of 22% remain, the Government should lower taxes on salaries and through taxes on luxury goods gather assets for social transfers to the destitute part of the population, SSSH representatives told a press conference in Zagreb Friday. The law on value-added tax is to go into force on 1 January 1998. The lowering of the VAT rate to 17% would be in accordance with the average VAT rate in developed countries of the West as well as with the guidelines of the European Union according to which the VAT rate can amount to between 15% and 20%, SSSH president Davor Juric said. SSSH is starting an operation aimed at reconstructing the Workers' Home in Vukovar, which was completely destroyed in the war, and it calls on all democratic unions to join it. According to SSSH plans, the Vukovar Workers' Home should develop into an international centre for labour, peace and solidarity. (hina) jn rm . 071531 MET nov 97