ZAGREB, April 1 (Hina) - Prime Minister Ivo Sanader reiterated on Thursday Croatia was willing to cooperate with the war crimes tribunal in The Hague, but that it was also ready and determined to defend the historical truth about the
Homeland War, the late president Franjo Tudjman and all those who took part in the 1990s war of independence.
ZAGREB, April 1 (Hina) - Prime Minister Ivo Sanader reiterated on
Thursday Croatia was willing to cooperate with the war crimes tribunal
in The Hague, but that it was also ready and determined to defend the
historical truth about the Homeland War, the late president Franjo
Tudjman and all those who took part in the 1990s war of independence.#L#
"Croatia will not allow historical revisionism. If any shadow fell on
the Homeland War Croatia's future would be at stake, and in this
respect the government will do everything to defend that part (of the
country's history) and in doing so help those indicted (by the Hague
tribunal)," Sanader said at today's government session.
"We don't accept collective responsibility, we don't accept political
allegations in the Hague tribunal's indictments. There are some
allegations that are absolutely unacceptable," the PM added.
He went on to say that even in a defensive war, such as the Homeland
War, crimes could be committed and that they must be punished
individually.
Sanader announced the government definitely intended to be involved in
trials at The Hague, both in connection with the indictments against
generals Mladen Markac and Ivan Cermak and the latest indictments
against Bosnian Croats.
He reiterated the Hague tribunal's prosecution was only one party to
the proceedings, the other being the defence, while verdicts were
handed down by the tribunal.
"The government certainly intends to be involved in proceedings and is
looking for the best way of doing so. There are several possibilities,
including as a friend of the court. The best model will be chosen in
consultations with domestic and foreign experts."
Sanader said he sent a letter to Hague tribunal president Theodor
Meron after the Markac and Cermak indictments arrived in Croatia, and
that a new letter was being drafted for the latest four indictments
which would once again state Croatia's intention to be engaged in the
trials.
He added that according to his information reactions to his letter to
Meron were very positive.
(Hina) ha sb