ZAGREB, May 8 (Hina) - The question is not whether, but when Croatia will become part of Europe, and the answer depends on Croatian citizens, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said in a message released on the occasion of Europe Day,
May 9.
ZAGREB, May 8 (Hina) - The question is not whether, but when Croatia
will become part of Europe, and the answer depends on Croatian
citizens, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said in a message
released on the occasion of Europe Day, May 9. #L#
The whole of Croatia should aspire towards joining Europe, reads
the message.
"Just as the fruits of democracy must not be enjoyed by few, as it
would not be democracy, so must not Europe be supported only by few
in Croatia, as in that case Croatia would not be a European
country," reads the message.
"We have long wanted to join Europe, but we were not letting Europe
enter Croatia. Today, we are on a road which should make both things
possible and we will continue on that road," reads the message.
Reminding about the traumatic past of Europe, whose once divided
citizens have had the courage to overcome differences and are co-
operating today, Mesic called on Croatia to follow the European
example and learn from its experience.
"Europe Day does not only symbolise the victory over ideologies
which left horrible marks of division and crime, but is the answer
to the ideologies of today which are aimed at destroying human
achievements. Europe has learned its historical lessons. Croatia
must do the same if it wants to become part of united Europe and
share its destiny."
The path to Europe is the only possible path for Croatia, reads the
message.
"Admission to the united Europe, the adoption of European standards
and rules will be neither easy nor fast. However, it is the only
possible path. That is the path of democratic development, the
strengthening of the rule of law, and strict respect for and
exercising of human rights," reads the message.
(hina) rml sb