ZAGREB, Oct 5 (Hina) - Croatian Army generals who last Thursday forwarded an open letter to the Croatian public, this Thursday wrote a new letter, prompted by numerous responses.
ZAGREB, Oct 5 (Hina) - Croatian Army generals who last Thursday
forwarded an open letter to the Croatian public, this Thursday
wrote a new letter, prompted by numerous responses.#L#
This time they expressed their regret over no mention on the merit
of their first letter.
The latest letter has been signed by 11 of 12 generals who signed the
previous one. The one who has not signed the new letter is Damir
Krsticevic who regards that the first letter contained all what
should be said and that there is no need for additional
explanations.
The letter of 11 generals read that: "as regards the political and
other reactions which our open letter to the Croatian public
incited, we feel the need and obligation to state the following:
1. We state with regret that so far almost no word has been said
about the contents, namely the merit, of our open letter.
Everything has been covered by a debate on our allegedly behind-the
scenes motives and intentions and we have even been accused of some
coup-plotting attempts and political plots. And none of that is
true. We have never, either as a group or individually, been engaged
in any political games or campaigns and neither did we do so this
time, with our open letter to the Croatian public. Therefore we call
on all who have accused us, to once again read our letter and give
their opinion on its contents, for the sake of the truth and the good
of this country. We also call on those who use our letter for their
political promotion not to do so any longer as they distort both its
contents and intention by such acts.
2. We reiterate that we have had only one intention: (we wanted), in
our capacity as generals and war commanders to warn the Croatian
public and all relevant factors of the country that the smearing of
war veterans and some of the most deserving war commanders as well
as the increasing negation of the values of the Homeland Defence War
have assumed proportions that are not appropriate to the atmosphere
of a democratic and civilised society.
3. We also underline that we have done so (forwarded the open
letter) not because we wanted to interfere in politics or because of
some other unacceptable and even dangerous intentions (which some
impute cheaply to us) but because this has not been done by those who
should have done it and whose duty it is after all. In this context
we recall that we are not persons who earned ranks in school
classrooms and in training fields but on the battlefield in the most
difficult moments during the defence of the Homeland and this fact
obliges us rather than giving us a bad name.
Therefore: if some reproach us now for going beyond the conduct
(suitable) for active military personnel in democratic countries,
then we, hoping with the full right, raise a question: Has there
been anywhere in the world the case that high-ranking officers and
soldiers of the liberation and victorious army have been blemished
for months, while no one of the most responsible (officials) has
said it clear and loud that it is enough and that it cannot any
longer be tolerated? Or at least, as one politician from the ruling
(six-party) coalition has said on the occasion of our case: 'The
Homeland Defence War is in the foundations of the establishment of
the Croatian State, and it (war) cannot be promoted only through
shedding light on its dark sides!'
4. That's why, only and primarily for the sake of the Homeland and
its security, on this occasion we emphasise that we support such an
organisation of the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces which
will be in accordance with the organisation typical of the most
developed western countries. We also advocate such control over the
armed forces which is appropriate for democratic countries, and the
system of decision-making ... which will be competent and
transparent.
In conclusion we would like that our words be taken such as they are
meant and written: out of responsibility towards all who have woven
their lives, energy and knowledge in the Croatian freedom."
The letter was signed by retired General of the Army Janko Bobetko,
retired Admiral Davor Domazet-Loso, reserve Lieutenant General
Ivan Cermak, retired Lieutenant General Ivan Basarac, retired
Lieutenant General Kresimir Cosic, retired Lieutenant General Ante
Gotovina, retired Major General Ivan Kapular, retired Major
General Mirko Norac, retired Major General Milenko Filipovic,
retired Major General Ivan Korade and retired Major General Nojko
Marinovic.
(hina) ms