IDS INSISTS ON REFERENDUM ON THERMAL POWER PLANT IN ISTRIA

ZAGREB, Oct 3 (Hina) - The Istrian Democratic Party (IDS), a majority party in Istrian County, insists on a referendum on the building of a thermal power plant, IDS deputies to the Croatian Parliament said in Zagreb on Thursday. "It is well known that the citizens of Istria oppose the construction of Plomin 2," IDS deputy Damir Kajin told a news conference organized after "announcements that the Croatian Electricity Board may sign an investment agreement with foreign partners on the continuation of construction of the thermal power plant Plomin 2." Since the outcome of the referendum was predictable, it would be very risky for foreign companies to sign such an agreement, Kajin said. The Istrian County Assembly had already voiced its opposition against the thermal power plant, Kajin said, adding that its construction would be in violation of constitutional provisions on the right of local government to decide on regional development and environmental protection. (hina) vm jn 031845 MET oct 96