ZAGREB, Jan 6 (Hina) - The Serb People's Council gave a reception in Zagreb on Tuesday on the occasion of Orthodox Christmas, inviting, besides Serb MPs, the most senior Croatian officials, diplomats, and representatives of political
parties and civil associations.
ZAGREB, Jan 6 (Hina) - The Serb People's Council gave a reception in
Zagreb on Tuesday on the occasion of Orthodox Christmas, inviting,
besides Serb MPs, the most senior Croatian officials, diplomats, and
representatives of political parties and civil associations.#L#
Wishing the Orthodox faithful a merry Christmas, Prime Minister Ivo
Sanader said he was proud cooperation with representatives of ethnic
minorities had been agreed on in parliament.
"We have agreed that the humanitarian aspects of our cooperation are
the most important, and we will take care of that," he said, adding
that his cabinet would help heal the wounds stemming from last
decade's war.
Parliament president Vladimir Seks said this Christmas should be one
of hope, when the "bitter and tragic experience of our recent past has
to be put behind us". He wished for "a time ahead of us in which we
are building a happy and better future together and in harmony".
"I hope we have all learned important and valuable lessons about
coexistence, tolerance, and respect for human and minority rights," he
said, adding that in parliament he would advocate adopting a law
enabling the rule of law, restitution of property, security,
stability, the inviolability of private ownership, and dignified
living.
Serb People's Council leader and MP Milorad Pupovac voiced hope that
this year all Croatian citizens will free themselves from the burden
of the war and post-war years. Encouragement should come from the
programme of the new government, in which the Serb community sees a
partner, he said.
Many ethnic Serbs who left Croatia wish to come back, Pupovac said,
but added that many of those who had come back lived in poor
conditions.
(Hina) ha