ZAGREB, Dec 21 (Hina) - Croatia has acquired a new image and is presented in the world today as a law-based state and security zone, included in integration processes, which before was inconceivable, President Stipe Mesic told
Croatian Radio on Thursday.
ZAGREB, Dec 21 (Hina) - Croatia has acquired a new image and is
presented in the world today as a law-based state and security zone,
included in integration processes, which before was inconceivable,
President Stipe Mesic told Croatian Radio on Thursday.#L#
Speaking about the current state of affairs and what had been done
in the 11 months of his mandate, Mesic conceded the state had not
succeeded in reviving the economy, but that it should in the coming
period.
The president said new elections were the only solution in case of
failure to fulfil January's electoral promises, but added he was
sure those who had taken over the "Croatian ship" were responsible
and skilled to find solutions for all open issues, and that
elections in three years would be held in a wealthier society.
Asked about Croatia's relations with UN's war crimes tribunal in
The Hague, Mesic said he advocated "prosecuting in Croatia all who
broke the law and abused their office." "If we did that... we
wouldn't need The Hague. I don't know why it isn't being done and why
wait for The Hague to do what Croatian judicial bodies and the
police should do."
Asked if the ruling six-party coalition could break up on the issue
of cooperation with the tribunal, the president said it was
possible but that he believed it was in nobody's interest.
Cooperation with the tribunal is useful for Croatia, as is
individualising guilt, to prevent individuals who have taken the
law into their hands from holding the Croatian state and nation
hostage, he said.
Speaking about economic development, the president said the
beginning of the new year would mark a turn with more possibilities
for employment and fewer for lay-offs, and that salaries would
enable a dignified living.
We will solve open issues and I can promise that foreign capital
will recognise Croatia's possibilities and that we will resolve
many infrastructure-related issues, Mesic said.
Asked about his own electoral promises, he said he had done
"everything that was expected of me." Mesic said he and the
government had helped change Croatia's image and shown that among
countries once accused of being hostile towards Croatia, there were
some genuinely wishing to help us.
He stressed he advocated an associated Europe and that he had done a
lot to that effect, adding that many incentives from his Office had
urged many to seek solutions.
Speaking about his critics, he said most had been non-transparent
in dealing with the Croatian budget in the past. Many refuse to give
up their privileges even though we have to direct funds to opening
new jobs and activating the economy, he said.
Today's needs are much more important, we have to tackle issues in
education, health, welfare, the military and the police, he said,
adding the funds would remain insufficient as long as the economy
did not reach the European standard it aspired to. We have to adopt
rules in force in the developed west, and I believe the Croatian
public is aware of it, he said.
Speaking about Croatia's image in the world, Mesic said "Croatia is
the champion of democratic processes in this region" and a country
advocating an individual approach in integrating with European
structures.
There is no fear of renewing the ex-Yugoslavia, we have to cooperate
with our neighbours while individually looking for our place in
Europe, Mesic told Croatian Radio in today's interview.
(hina) ha