ZAGREB, Oct 3 (Hina) - Any coup is out of question in Croatia, as it would be doomed to failure. This is only a matter of political increase in tensions with to some extent serious and more radical rhetoric, Croatian President Stjepan
Mesic said in Zagreb on Tuesday night upon his return from a two-day official visit to Bulgaria.
ZAGREB, Oct 3 (Hina) - Any coup is out of question in Croatia, as it
would be doomed to failure. This is only a matter of political
increase in tensions with to some extent serious and more radical
rhetoric, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said in Zagreb on
Tuesday night upon his return from a two-day official visit to
Bulgaria.#L#
Mesic said so, responding to reporters' question how much harm
could be done to Croatia owing to Bulgarian journalists'
speculations about possibilities of coup d'etat in Croatia
following some reports in the latest issue of the Croatian weekly
'Nacional'.
'Nacional' said in the issue which appeared on the news-stands
today that another 20 generals were intent on joining last week's
letter by 12 generals who criticised the criminalisation of the
Homeland Defence War, Croatia's early 1990s war of independence
from the former Yugoslav federation. Mesic last Friday decided to
send seven active generals who signed the letter into retirement.
Another four were already retired, while one was a reserve
general.
In this context Mesic asserted that in the past coups in some
countries used to succeed only if a foreign force supported it, and
reminded that such things had happened in Greece and Turkey.
"Who could stand behind a coup in Croatia? Which force in the world
would support those who would overthrow the democratically-elected
authorities," Mesic wondered adding that in such a case Croatia
would totally be isolated.
"Therefore, any attempt of the coup would be doomed to absolute
failure as this is simply nonsense," President said explaining that
this was realised "by even the most radical persons and they
distance themselves from any use of force."
Asked whether it was a real number for such small army such as the
Croatian Armed Forces (HV) to speak of 20 generals who would
possibly join the signatories to last Thursday's letter, Mesic
answered "it is only the proof that we have too many generals."
Commenting on his visit to Bulgaria Croatian President assessed it
as exceptionally successful and good, adding that it was conducted
at the right time.
Croatia and Bulgaria have excellent political ties and the two
countries jointly appear in European political cooperation, Mesic
added.
"We are working in the same field and have the same strategic
objectives - the European Union and NATO," the Croatian head of
state said adding that Sofia and Zagreb were also promoting the
cooperation at the parliamentary, governmental and ministerial
levels.
"Croatia is certainly interested in the furtherance of the economic
cooperation, as at once time the trade between us and Bulgaria
amounted over 25 million dollars and now it is substantially
lower," Mesic explained adding that the two countries now have
favourable circumstances and can open markets and resources to each
other.
One of the important achievements of his visit to Sofia is that the
two sides completely harmonised stands on their neighbour -
Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) - as at the moment it is a hot spot,
Mesic told reporters at the Zagreb airport.
(hina) ms