16 CROATIAN COMPANIES TO BE RESTRUCTURED - GOVT

ZAGREB, Dec 30 (Hina) - Sixteen Croatian companies will be restructured as a precondition for their further operation or final privatization, the government said in a statement on Monday. The government said that its decision on the financial consolidation of the 16 mainly chemical, metal and glass- manufacturing companies followed a series of meetings between the government and the companies. Those companies are of crucial economic importance for the country, being competitive on domestic and foreign markets. More than 10,500 employees will be ensured employment and any surplus labour will be fully provided for during the financial consolidation and restructuring process. The companies' current liabilities towards creditors, suppliers and government bodies will be duly settled, according to the statement. (hina) vm 302057 MET dec 96