She was also asked to comment on the statement by Zoran Milanovic, the leader of the strongest opposition party, the Social Democrats, that the offer by Hungarian oil and gas group MOL to purchase the small shareholders' stake in INA showed that MOL was not a partner to the Croatian government but its rival and that the government was "sleeping and doing nothing".

Kosor said that it was very interesting to listen to the SDP president accusing others of sleeping, when in fact he had been sleeping for a full seven years since 2003 when the SDP-run government transferred the managing and ownership rights over INA by selling 25 per cent plus one share to MOL.

"Milanovic was in deep sleep if he doesn't know that," the Prime Minister told reporters after formally opening a school sports hall in Pleternica, 150 kilometres east of Zagreb.

"It has not been seven years since MOL's latest offer, but one working day, and it's not true the Prime Minister has been quiet about it, because I said on Friday that the government would announce its steps this week after exploring all possibilities. It will definitely be this week," Kosor said.

Asked if the government would establish a separate ministry to deal with investments in the country, Kosor replied in the negative, adding that the government would be refreshed in order to step up activities aimed at carrying out some of the 30 major investment projects which could encourage economic growth in 2011.

When pressed on the planned reshuffle, Kosor said that it would be carried out as soon as possible, following necessary talks and consultations. She said it was necessary that major investors should have someone to guide them through the entire process so that it could go faster. "I think our legislation is good and geared towards that goal, but more efficiency is needed."

Kosor called on local authorities to cooperate with the central government in removing any obstacles to investment.