The then Sabor of the Republic of Croatia adopted the Decision at a joint session of all of its councils, clearly indicating that Croatia had embarked on the path towards severing ties with the republics which made up the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), as well as towards its international recognition.
At the same session the highest law-making body adopted a declaration proclaiming Croatia's sovereignty and independence.
These historic decisions ensued after a referendum held in May at which over 94 percent of Croatian citizens stated that Croatia should not remain in the SFRY.
In the early summer of 1991, Croatia encountered the rebellion of local Serbs and attacks on its cities and villages which caused casualties among civilians.
The constitutional decision, however, was not applied immediately, its enactment was postponed due to international pressure on Zagreb and promises that negotiations on disassociation would be conducted later in an easier manner. The Brijuni Declaration imposed a three-month moratorium which expired on 8 October 1991, when Croatia definitely severed all constitutional ties with other republics in the Yugoslav federation and became an independent country.
This year's central commemorations of this national holiday will be traditionally held in the eastern town of Vukovar with the state leadership in attendance.
The 12th generation of the Ban Josip Jelacic war academy and the 14th generation of cadets of the Air Force will be promoted on that occasion.
On the occasion of Statehood Day, 356 officers and non-commissioned officers, including 37 women, received their diplomas following the completion of different stages of military education, at a ceremony at Zagreb's Petar Zrinski barracks on Thursday.