HNS president Cacic said that the ICTY handed down Draconian sentences.
"What is now important is to keep dignity and focus on the appeals proceedings," Cacic said in the parliament.
He said that the term "joint criminal enterprise" should not be equated with the international community's overall treatment of Croatia's legitimate liberating operations "Flash" and "Storm".
He added that the acquittal of General Ivan Cermak was expected.
HNS parliamentarian Pusic recalled the case of Bosnian Croat general Tihomir Blaskic who was given a long prison term in the non-final verdict that was drastically reduced in the final judgement.
She ruled out the possibility of today's judgement having an impact on Croatia's efforts to close the Judiciary and Fundamental Rights policy area in its accession negotiations with the European Union.
The Croatian Pensioners Party (HSU) and the Croatian Labour Party expressed disappointment with the ICTY's ruling.