Josipovic stressed it was intolerable that people are working without getting paid and that the biggest victims in this chain of events were the workers.

After talking to representatives of the workers, trade unions and Kamensko Management Board, Josipovic said the workers had warned him about possible illegal activities, adding that the state bodies should clarify as soon as possible what is this about.

Commenting on the information that Kamensko has not paid corporate contributions for the past two years, Josipovic said the state should have reacted to this a long time ago, because clearly the law was not respected.

The law must be respected, Josipovic stressed, adding that the current status of the company and the workers cannot be prolonged, calling on all relevant state bodies to react promptly.

"The president of the republic does not have executive powers, but he holds a certain political position and I will use this position in talks with relevant state bodies to secure what can be secured under the law as soon as possible and to the benefit of the workers," Josipovic promised.

The president said he would primarily talk to the government and the Croatian Privatisation Fund, as well as to those in charge of all proceedings.

He advocated urgent consideration of the bankruptcy reorganisation plan, so that Kamensko could resume production after the bankruptcy procedure is launched. The decision is expected to be made by the Zagreb Commercial Court at a hearing scheduled for 12 October.

Josipovic declined to comment on why Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor had not visited the Kamensko workers. "Mrs Kosor and I were on a visit to the United States, I was following the developments on the Internet from the United States and when the opportunity showed, I came," Josipovic said.

The Kamensko workers applauded Josipovic's words, stressing they were encouraged by his visit.

The workers said they would resume the strike on Monday.