MESIC ISSUES STATEMENT FOR HOMELAND GRATITUDE, ARMED FORCES DAY

ZAGREB, Aug 3 (Hina) - Croatia's President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Stipe Mesic on Friday issued a best wishes statement to all members of the military on the occasion of Homeland Gratitude Day and Armed Forces Day. "I also say a big thank you on behalf of the Croatian people for everything you have unselfishly given in the past ten years so that today we might live in free and sovereign Croatia. We still have to give a lot more and invest knowledge, skills and perseverance to transform Croatia into a modern, democratic state," the statement read. The President said Croatia's military equipment and weapons had to be brought up-to-date to make them compatible with modern armies and to pave the way for joining NATO and other Euro-Atlantic security associations. "By preserving the stability of the state, strengthening the economy and democratic processes in the country, that dream will become closer," the statement said. The President remembered all who gave their lives for Croatia's independence, as well as all war veterans. "By preserving the achievements (of the 1990s Homeland Defence War) we are setting strong foundations which will help Croatia grow into a modern state that will soon take its place in Europe." Best wishes on the occasion of Homeland Gratitude Day and Armed Forces Day were also made by the military chief-of-staff, Gen. Petar Stipetic. (hina) ha