PULA, March 14 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Tuesday opened in the northern port of Pula the 17th conference of the World Veterans' Federation's Standing Committee on European Issues. The conference gathers about 150
participants, representatives of war veterans, and military-diplomatic officials from some 40 countries. Held under the auspices of President Mesic, the conference closes on March 19. President Mesic said he was sure the process of European association would succeed, mentioning the example of Germany and France, which fought three times throughout history and now led the way in the process. "On the path towards European integration, national minorities in our politically sensitive region should become bridges of co-operation among neighbouring countries, and not reason to conquer others' territory. Thus, Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina should be a bridge of c
PULA, March 14 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Tuesday
opened in the northern port of Pula the 17th conference of the World
Veterans' Federation's Standing Committee on European Issues.
The conference gathers about 150 participants, representatives of
war veterans, and military-diplomatic officials from some 40
countries. Held under the auspices of President Mesic, the
conference closes on March 19.
President Mesic said he was sure the process of European
association would succeed, mentioning the example of Germany and
France, which fought three times throughout history and now led the
way in the process.
"On the path towards European integration, national minorities in
our politically sensitive region should become bridges of co-
operation among neighbouring countries, and not reason to conquer
others' territory. Thus, Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina should be a
bridge of co-operation between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and
not an area for the creation of Greater Croatia, just as Serbs in
Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina should be a connecting bridge, and
not an impetus for the creation of Greater Serbia. Once we realise
that, there will be no war in this region," Mesic said.
The democratic changes which have taken place in Croatia have
contributed to constructive peace and stability in the region, said
the United Nations secretary-general's personal envoy, General
Jacques Klein. He called on the international community to assist
the Croatian government in resolving many amassed problems.
Klein also drew attention to the importance the Stability Pact for
Southeast Europe had for stability on the Balkans.
United States Ambassador to Croatia William Montgomery asserted
war veterans would be the ones with a leading role in the process of
reconciliation, to prevent potential wars.
According to Djuro Decak, the president of the Association of
Croatian Homeland War Veterans, the importance of the conference is
that the sides which fought only yesterday, by discussing peace
would make a major contribution to the preservation of peace and
stability in the region.
(hina) ha jn