ZAGREB, Feb 8 (Hina) - The newly-elected Croatian President Stipe Mesic said early on Tuesday morning he would take over the current presidential powers until the envisaged constitutional changes were implemented, adding he would not
use those powers which were the result of the "inflation of presidential powers." Mesic said his election as the President of the Republic completed the establishment of authority, a process in which Croatia demonstrated a high level of democracy.
ZAGREB, Feb 8 (Hina) - The newly-elected Croatian President Stipe
Mesic said early on Tuesday morning he would take over the current
presidential powers until the envisaged constitutional changes
were implemented, adding he would not use those powers which were
the result of the "inflation of presidential powers."
Mesic said his election as the President of the Republic completed
the establishment of authority, a process in which Croatia
demonstrated a high level of democracy. #L#
Expressing gratitude to his rival Drazen Budisa for his
congratulations, Mesic said he would continue his close
cooperation with Budisa, as well as with the Government and Sabor.
"The authority which acted in an undemocratic manner is gone and is
replaced by a European-oriented, democratic authority, which must
ensure stability and welfare to all Croatian citizens," he
stressed.
Mesic said that he would be a president of initiative and would not
abuse his position. He also promised to radically cut state
expenditure and see that Croatia acquires a European image.
Croatia can enter Europe only if it solves all open questions with
its neighbours to the mutual benefit, Mesic said.
Mesic believes that problems with Slovenia can be solved and that
they should be solved by the current generation of politicians.
Asked about relations with Yugoslavia, Mesic said they would
improve once "Serbia goes through a catharsis... undergoes a
process of democratisation, and once the regime that started the
war is replaced by democratic forces."
Relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina will be regulated bilaterally
and Croatia will help Bosnian Croats as much as it can. We will not
support the policy which failed in Bosnia-Herzegovina and which was
directed against the interests of Bosnian Croats, he said, adding
he would do all he can for Bosnian Croats to be a constituent nation.
"However, it is they who can do the most for themselves and they have
to understand that Bosnia-Herzegovina is their country," he
added.
The new Croatian President also stressed the importance of
implementing the Dayton agreement which stopped the war in Bosnia.
Speaking about relations with Montenegro, Mesic said Montenegro
had to solve its status on its own, and welcomed and supported its
efforts to find its way to European associations. Mesic also
announced more active diplomatic relations with non-European
countries, adding it was very important for Croatia to open its
market to all partner-countries.
(hina) rml