ZAGREB ZAGREB, Jan 22 (Hina) - "Croatia can very soon approach Europe and thus accomplish it political plan which we commenced ten years ago, to create an independent state socially just, democratic, liberal and West-oriented one,"
said Drazen Budisa during his central pre-election rally in Zagreb on Saturday ahead of the presidential ballot on 24 January. The rally was addressed by members of the SDP-HSLS coalition whose presidential candidate for the coming election is Budisa. Budisa called on eligible voters to cast ballot for him at the presidential polls in order "to complete a job which was commenced at the (parliamentary) election on 3 January." Thus in the beginning of February we can get to work and, along with the Government led by Ivica Racan and the new Croatian national parliament, begin rescuing Croatia from a hard social situation and economic poverty that has stricken
ZAGREB, Jan 22 (Hina) - "Croatia can very soon approach Europe and
thus accomplish it political plan which we commenced ten years ago,
to create an independent state socially just, democratic, liberal
and West-oriented one," said Drazen Budisa during his central pre-
election rally in Zagreb on Saturday ahead of the presidential
ballot on 24 January.
The rally was addressed by members of the SDP-HSLS coalition whose
presidential candidate for the coming election is Budisa.
Budisa called on eligible voters to cast ballot for him at the
presidential polls in order "to complete a job which was commenced
at the (parliamentary) election on 3 January."
Thus in the beginning of February we can get to work and, along with
the Government led by Ivica Racan and the new Croatian national
parliament, begin rescuing Croatia from a hard social situation and
economic poverty that has stricken more than a half of the Croatian
people and create a socially just and liberal state integrated in
the European Union, Budisa added.
He committed himself to doing his best and, in cooperation with the
Sabor and the Government, eradicating crime and corruption.
Budisa also promised to make it impossible for one man to have
concentration of power in his hands.
"In the Croatian Army, set up during the Homeland War to protect the
country, we shall not allow any activity of political parties, nor
will any political party be able to have the political monopoly,"
Budisa told the gathered.
He pledged to create "new political culture and ensure that nobody
ever thinks of classifying Croatia in any Balkan associations, as
it was always a country of the western and European orientation."
Addressing a multitude gathered at the Cvjetni Square in the
downtown Zagreb, the President of the Social Democratic Party
(SDP), Ivica Racan, said he supported Budisa as "it is a man who has
behind himself many years of struggling for Croatia, but he does not
call that history into evidence as he is aware that Croatia is tired
of history and wants to look forward to future and Europe. We
support him as he is aware of changes which new authorities must
carry out, and he would like to contribute to these changes rather
than ruling over people, the Government and the Sabor."
Drazen Budisa has the backing of Pat Cox, the leader of European
Liberal Democrats, the third largest party in the European
Parliament.
Addressing the rally, Cox expressed his stand that by choosing new
coalition government Croatia made it possible for itself to be
modelled into a modern European state.
To enter Europe does not mean that the Croatian people should lessen
its statehood and national consciousness but it is rather to have a
chance to become more effective citizens of Croatia and Europe as
regards its national interests, Cox added.
During the pre-election campaign Budisa on Saturday laid a wreath
at the memorial plaque erected to members of the "Bad Blue Boys" fan
club at the soccer stadium of Maksimir in Zagreb.
In Saturday morning the HSLS (Croatian Social Liberal Party)
President toured the market place "Dolac" in the downtown Zagreb
and talked with ordinary people.
(hina) ms