ZAGREB, Aug 9 (Hina) - A Croatian Homeland Defence War veterans association assert the recent events concerning the Sinjska Alka and the speech of the Alka leader, Ante Kotromanovic, confirm that veterans and certain veteran
associations are being increasingly manipulated for political purposes. The association voiced strong opposition to any individuals or informal groups speaking on behalf of all veterans. To hide behind veterans and their associations, and to equalise a cultural and historical manifestation such as the Sinjska Alka with the Homeland Defence War is to sotonise the largest number of veterans who have been treated unfairly, and the Homeland war itself, the association said. The verbal assault on President Stipe Mesic, who was elected by the people, is an inappropriate assault on the institution of President, and in itself, the Croatian state, the association concludes. During the final day of
ZAGREB, Aug 9 (Hina) - A Croatian Homeland Defence War veterans
association assert the recent events concerning the Sinjska Alka
and the speech of the Alka leader, Ante Kotromanovic, confirm that
veterans and certain veteran associations are being increasingly
manipulated for political purposes.
The association voiced strong opposition to any individuals or
informal groups speaking on behalf of all veterans.
To hide behind veterans and their associations, and to equalise a
cultural and historical manifestation such as the Sinjska Alka with
the Homeland Defence War is to sotonise the largest number of
veterans who have been treated unfairly, and the Homeland war
itself, the association said.
The verbal assault on President Stipe Mesic, who was elected by the
people, is an inappropriate assault on the institution of
President, and in itself, the Croatian state, the association
concludes.
During the final day of the tournament on Sunday, spectators and
participants of the Sinjska Alka booed President Stipe Mesic and
referred to him in derogatory terms.
(hina) lml