ZAGREB, Dec 14 (Hina) - Yugoslav Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic in Zagreb on Friday expressed deep regret about the suffering of Croatian citizens and the citizens of his country over the past several years, saying the motive for
the crimes was the fear of Serbs from Croatia and elsewhere, and that politicians were responsible because they used the fear for their goals. Svilanovic gave this statement to reporters after talks with Croatian counterpart Tonino Picula, by which the Yugoslav foreign minister began his official visit to Croatia. Svilanovic will also hold talks with Croatian top political officials. "I want to share the feeling of deep regret for the suffering of Croatian citizens, both Croatians and Serbs, as well as Yugoslav citizens over the past several years," Svilanovic said. "Politicians are the most responsible for the suffering of young men and women who are scattered throughout
ZAGREB, Dec 14 (Hina) - Yugoslav Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic
in Zagreb on Friday expressed deep regret about the suffering of
Croatian citizens and the citizens of his country over the past
several years, saying the motive for the crimes was the fear of
Serbs from Croatia and elsewhere, and that politicians were
responsible because they used the fear for their goals.
Svilanovic gave this statement to reporters after talks with
Croatian counterpart Tonino Picula, by which the Yugoslav foreign
minister began his official visit to Croatia. Svilanovic will also
hold talks with Croatian top political officials.
"I want to share the feeling of deep regret for the suffering of
Croatian citizens, both Croatians and Serbs, as well as Yugoslav
citizens over the past several years," Svilanovic said.
"Politicians are the most responsible for the suffering of young
men and women who are scattered throughout Croatia and it is
impossible not to empathise with the sorrow of their dearest,"
Svilanovic said.
He said the fear of Serbs from Croatia and other parts of the former
Yugoslavia was the cause of the crimes.
"I would like to express understanding for Serbs from Croatia and
other parts of the former Yugoslavia because fear is what makes
people commit the gravest crimes," the Yugoslav official
stressed.
Svilanovic said he was aware that toponyms such as Vukovar and some
other places would remain deep in the hearts of all Croats, and
added it was up to historians to establish why it happened and
politicians to make a step towards reconciliation, which, he
assessed, would take years.
(to be continued)
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