ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - Commenting on Wednesday's statements by individuals and groups who called the government a "so-called government" and threatened resorting to arms in the wake of this week's police action and arrests,
Croatia's Prime Minister Ivica Racan said on Thursday this democratic government and democratic Croatia could not be intimidated. The prime minister stressed this government was capable of working together with all democratic forces and citizens to do what it takes to make Croatia more democratic and law-based than before, to ensure better living prospects for the majority of the population, and to put an end to Croatia's being hostage to non-prosecuted crime. Racan's message to all, individuals and little groups wishing to stop a process of national interest, is that this democratic government and Croatia cannot be intimidated. His comments come in the wake of negative reactions
ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - Commenting on Wednesday's statements by
individuals and groups who called the government a "so-called
government" and threatened resorting to arms in the wake of this
week's police action and arrests, Croatia's Prime Minister Ivica
Racan said on Thursday this democratic government and democratic
Croatia could not be intimidated.
The prime minister stressed this government was capable of working
together with all democratic forces and citizens to do what it takes
to make Croatia more democratic and law-based than before, to
ensure better living prospects for the majority of the population,
and to put an end to Croatia's being hostage to non-prosecuted
crime.
Racan's message to all, individuals and little groups wishing to
stop a process of national interest, is that this democratic
government and Croatia cannot be intimidated.
His comments come in the wake of negative reactions from war
veterans' associations after the arrests earlier this week of 12
persons, including members of the Croatian Army, in connection with
various criminal activities, war crimes included.
Opening today's government session, the prime minister urged
making it possible for bodies of authority to do their job, and
proving this government's determination that it was not going to
reconcile with those who would stop this process.
Racan said that recently Croatia was witnessing a more resolute and
efficient demonstration of democracy and rule of law, consisting of
actions by the police, State Prosecutor's Office and judiciary as a
whole. He added the probes into and arrests of suspects of various
crimes was something he believed enjoyed huge support among
Croatia's democratic public.
Commenting on the climate in the wake of this week's actions by the
police and State Prosecutor's Office, the prime minister said the
judiciary would establish whether someone was accountable or not.
Nobody can assume the role of the police and judiciary any more,
neither individuals in the government, nor individuals and little
groups wishing to subvert this democratic government, he added.
The prime minister said the latter are those who "probably feel
threatened" by the stronger rule of law.
(hina) ha