ZAGREB, June 23 (Hina) - A reception was held at the Croatian government on Monday to mark Anti-Fascist Struggle Day, June 22, and the 60th anniversary of the National Anti-Fascist Council of Croatia's National Liberation (ZAVNOH) and
the integration of Istria, Rijeka, Zadar and the islands with the motherland.
ZAGREB, June 23 (Hina) - A reception was held at the Croatian
government on Monday to mark Anti-Fascist Struggle Day, June 22,
and the 60th anniversary of the National Anti-Fascist Council of
Croatia's National Liberation (ZAVNOH) and the integration of
Istria, Rijeka, Zadar and the islands with the motherland. #L#
Along WWII anti-fascist fighters, the reception was attended by
President Stjepan Mesic and other state officials, representatives
of the diplomatic corps, religious communities, trade unions,
businessmen, Zagreb City and Homeland War veterans' associations.
When Croatia started the anti-fascist struggle 60 years ago, it
clearly stated its anti-fascist stand and began a fight for the
creation of a future state on democratic foundations, PM Ivica
Racan said in his speech.
"Croatian partisans sided with the allies and with their activity
created the foundations of Croatia as it is today -- democratic,
independent and modern," he added.
Recalling the historic significance of the ZAVNOH, Racan said that
Croatia was defined within its today's borders by decisions of that
body.
"It is unnecessary to stress that today's society aspires to as high
a degree of democracy and human rights protection as possible, and
the foundations of that society lie on the principles of anti-
fascism," Racan said, adding that in drawing closer to the EU,
Croatia was proud of its anti-fascist past "which it shares with
that same Europe".
(hina) lml sb