ZAGREB, Nov 22 (Hina) - Two federations of associations of Croatian Homeland Defence War veterans do not condone the holding of protest rallies during the Zagreb Summit on Friday, which they described as an event of great significance
for Croatia's future and a confirmation of the success of Croatia's politics. The Association of Homeland War Soldiers said in a statement Wednesday that the centres for the protection of the dignity of the Homeland Defence War has the right to protest in a democratic society, but only on their own behalf, not on behalf of all veterans. The Zagreb Summit is "a return to Europe, where we belong culturally and historically, and presents an answer to questions where we are going, with whom and how," the statement said. The Croatian Association of Parents of Killed Soldiers said they would in no way obstruct the holding of the Zagreb Summit, describing the conference as a
ZAGREB, Nov 22 (Hina) - Two federations of associations of Croatian
Homeland Defence War veterans do not condone the holding of protest
rallies during the Zagreb Summit on Friday, which they described as
an event of great significance for Croatia's future and a
confirmation of the success of Croatia's politics.
The Association of Homeland War Soldiers said in a statement
Wednesday that the centres for the protection of the dignity of the
Homeland Defence War has the right to protest in a democratic
society, but only on their own behalf, not on behalf of all
veterans.
The Zagreb Summit is "a return to Europe, where we belong culturally
and historically, and presents an answer to questions where we are
going, with whom and how," the statement said.
The Croatian Association of Parents of Killed Soldiers said they
would in no way obstruct the holding of the Zagreb Summit,
describing the conference as a multiply significant event for
Croatia and a confirmation that Croatia is a part of a unified
Europe.
The parents requested of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica an
apology, as well as to inform them about the whereabouts of soldiers
and civilians who had gone missing during Croatia's war of
independence, the whereabouts of their remains, and when
Yugoslavia would compensate Croatia for the damage it had suffered
during the Serb aggression.
Should Kostunica fail to apologise, the Association will consider
him a persona non grata.
Although it does not support the Zagreb Summit, the Alliance of
Croatian Defence Forces Volunteers has disassociated itself from
protest rallies to be staged by centres for the protection of the
Homeland Defence War during the Zagreb Summit.
The Alliance holds the goals, reasons and causes for the announced
protests are very unclear.
The Alliance stressed that if the Government lets them down in their
expectations and signs agreements contradictory to national
interests, it would subsequently initiate the signing of a petition
for a referendum, and possibly hold protests against the Croatian
Government.
(hina) lml jn