SPLIT, May 2 (Hina) - The Croatian Defence Minister and a vice-president of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zeljka Antunovic, said in Split on Friday that she respected General Janko Bobetko, but would not attend his funeral in
Sisak as there were many indications that his funeral would be abused for political purposes.
SPLIT, May 2 (Hina) - The Croatian Defence Minister and a vice-
president of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zeljka Antunovic,
said in Split on Friday that she respected General Janko Bobetko,
but would not attend his funeral in Sisak as there were many
indications that his funeral would be abused for political
purposes. #L#
At the SDP's news conference focusing on the party's work and plans,
Antunovic replied to reporters' questions that she and her
associated at the ministry "made all preparations for his funeral
at the highest level and placed full honours to the disposal of
(his) family".
"The family has the right to accept or refuse our services, and they
have partially refused some things and surrounded themselves by
some other kind of people. This is their right," said Antunovic, and
added: "you know that there were ugly cases of politicisation
surrounding General Bobetko. There are many indicators which show
us that this funeral will be politicised and I do not want to be
present where there might be abuse of the late general. I paid
homage to General Bobetko and I believe that the abuse of his
funeral can harm the Croatian army and create rifts in Croatia,"
said the minister.
(hina) lml sb