ZAGREB, Dec 10 (Hina) - The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) commemorated the fourth anniversary of the death of Croatia's first President, Franjo Tudjman, at Zagreb City Hall on Wednesday.
ZAGREB, Dec 10 (Hina) - The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ)
commemorated the fourth anniversary of the death of Croatia's first
President, Franjo Tudjman, at Zagreb City Hall on Wednesday. #L#
Looking back on Tudjman's political activity and role in Croatian
history, HDZ president Ivo Sanader said Tudjman was a man who in the
late 1980s set the creation of an independent Croatia as the main
objective of his own political activity and that of his HDZ party.
"Tudjman realised that goal, becoming one the greatest figures in
Croatian history."
Sanader said that by paying tribute to Tudjman, the HDZ wanted to
turn to the future because the 21st century put new challenges
before Croatia.
Recalling that President Stjepan Mesic entrusted him yesterday
with forming a new government, which he said would be presented at
the inaugural session of parliament on Dec. 22-23, Sanader said the
priority goals would be higher living standards and Croatia's
admission to the European Union and NATO.
"United Europe has no chance of surviving if it's not founded on the
equality of all peoples," Sanader said, adding that the future
European Constitution "can't be complete without Croatia and other
European countries, including our neighbours".
"There's no alternative to European integration, but first we have
to settle open issues with neighbouring countries and, not
forgetting the past, to create new, common values for the future."
Sanader announced that in cooperation with sister parties in
Europe, the HDZ would advocate that the preamble of the European
Constitution state that Christianity is one of the roots of
European culture.
Sanader commended the presence at the commemoration of Zagreb
deputy mayor Milan Bandic of the Social Democrats, saying that "we
all have to find the strength to rise above the parties we are
members of for the purpose of achieving national interests". "It's
a good thing that everyone, independently of their party
membership, is trying to reach a consensus on what is valuable to us
all -- the well-being and international affirmation of Croatia."
Attending the commemoration were HDZ officials and other
dignitaries as well as DC president Mate Granic and vice-president
Vesna Skare-Ozbolt.
An HDZ delegation headed by Sanader today put flowers and lit
candles at Tudjman's grave at Zagreb's Mirogoj cemetery.
Tudjman's wife and family also lit a candle and laid a wreath.
Tribute to Tudjman was also paid by delegations of the Croatian True
Revival and Croatian Bloc parties, the DC, the Viribus Unitis
association, and numerous citizens.
(hina) ha sb