ZAGREB, May 11 (Hina) - The Croatian Government has estimated that protests and acts of violence which have occurred in Croatia do not at present have the characteristics of organised riots, but are rather the consequence of deep
social and welfare problems.
ZAGREB, May 11 (Hina) - The Croatian Government has estimated that
protests and acts of violence which have occurred in Croatia do not
at present have the characteristics of organised riots, but are
rather the consequence of deep social and welfare problems. #L#
Discussing the possibility of an escalation of violence and unrest
in the country at today's session, members of the Government
estimated that at the moment there were no elements by which it
could be concluded that those activities were orchestrated, Deputy
Prime Minister Zeljka Antunovic said after the part of the session
which was held behind closed doors.
Competent services should follow events and if they detect elements
pointing to this (orchestrated violence), they should inform the
Government and the public of it, she added.
According to a statement issued after the closed part of today's
session, which was chaired by Prime Minister Ivica Racan, the
Government also discussed the political aspects of statements
announcing violence and unrest in the state, as well as measures one
should take in preventing such incidents.
After the debate, which lasted more than two hours, Antunovic told
reporters it had been estimated the activities in question were not
orchestrated, but they rather represented a deep social problem,
which was based on global social changes as well as on the social and
political situation in Croatia.
Asked about her message to Homeland War soldiers, since some
Homeland War associations have organised or announced protests,
Antunovic said the Government did not believe the protests were
organised by soldiers but by some leaders and heads of Homeland War
associations.
"Soldiers are one thing, and those making statements in the media
are something else," she added.
Antunovic said soldiers had every right to be frustrated and
dissatisfied, however, one could not tolerate implications that
the Government had denied soldiers their rights or reduced them.
The Government encounters problems as regards its financial
obligations toward soldiers and their rights, however, the Prime
Minister and other ministers are ready for talks and an agreement on
setting the deadlines for the completion of some obligations.
We are ready to work together toward reaching an agreement on
obligations and deadlines, but we cannot accept blackmailing or
unfounded threats from anyone, including soldiers, she said.
Asked whether proceedings would be initiated against those who have
called for the blockade of border crossings (such as the president
of the Croatian Homeland War Invalids association, Marinko
Liovic), Antunovic said this question should be directed to
competent institutions. "That is not a Government's task and the
Government has not held such discussions," she added.
The Government currently does not have information on new protest
meetings, except for a statement given at yesterday's protest
meeting in Split, which was organised by several associations of
Homeland War soldiers, that they could soon organise a similar
meeting in Zagreb.
The Government today also discussed the escalation of violence at
sport venues. Antunovic said the prevention of violence in sports
had not been satisfactory so far. All ministries will soon be given
clear tasks regarding this social problem and additional measures
will be taken in the future before major sport events, Antunovic
said, adding Croatia would use the experience of other countries,
especially Great Britain.
(hina) jn rml