ZAGREB, Dec 23 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Saturday forwarded a Christmas and New Year message to Croatian citizens calling on them to face the upcoming challenges and urging elected officials to implement the changes
they had promised.
ZAGREB, Dec 23 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on
Saturday forwarded a Christmas and New Year message to Croatian
citizens calling on them to face the upcoming challenges and urging
elected officials to implement the changes they had promised. #L#
The past year saw difficult as well as beautiful moments. "I know
that we share concern but we also share a wish to have a better
tomorrow in our Croatia," reads the message.
"The year which is drawing to a close has been one of important
democratic changes, a year in which Croatia has left a more
prominent mark on the international scene but also a year which has
seen only the beginning of economic changes which are necessary for
the country to join countries with developed economies and higher
living standards."
"Now that our dream of Croatia's independence and international
recognition and successful defence from aggression, for which so
many have given their lives, has come true, it is time to turn to the
future." "The future certainly lies in our admission to the
European Union, which will give Croatia a future of a progressive
and safe country, equal to other nations," Mesic says in the
message.
"I truly believe in the democratic potential of the Croatian
society. We are aware that we still have problems and face numerous
challenges in almost all areas of social and economic life.
However, one must not be discouraged. Quite the contrary,
encouraged by what has been achieved and with hope and optimism we
want to build a better future for our homeland," the message reads.
"It is therefore important for all citizens and people of good will
to bravely face challenges which are ahead and participate in the
promotion of economic progress and the rule of law. Even greater is
the responsibility and commitment of those whom you elected to make
... the promised changes."
"... Croatia must be a country in which one will be able to have good
education and work successfully, a country which young and educated
people will not flee because they will have good work and promotion
conditions here."
President Mesic today also forwarded a Christmas and New Year
message to Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic, the clergy and all
Catholic believers.
(hina) rml