ITF SUPPORTS CROATIAN RAILWAY WORKERS

ZAGREB, Dec 15 (Hina) - The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) today supported a Croatian railway workers' strike and their demands, warning it would inernationalize their cause if the issue worsened. "We are aware of the difficult situation in Croatia, but it should not be used to deny workers' rights," head of the ITF delegation Agbjorn Wahl today told a press conference in Zagreb. Two of the four Croatian rail unions are members of the ITF, one of the oldest union associations established 102 years ago, with branches in 108 countries. Wahl said that the ITF delegation this morning asked to meet Transport Minister Ivica Mudrinic. ITF delegate Ali Memon protested over a statement by Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) secretary general Zlatko Canjuga, that "the strike is an attempt by several people to manipulate workers into destablize the economic situation in Croatia." Memon said he saw first-hand the strikers' loyalty and their love of Croatia. He added that the ITF supported negotiations, and appealed to the Croatian Government to renew talks. An Engine Drivers' Union spokesman expressed hope that talks with the Government would resume in the next 48 hours. Railway workers have been on strike for nine days. (Hina) jn sd vm 151807 MET dec 94