20th anniversary of Maslenica military-police operation

Central ceremony was preceded by laying wreaths and paying tribute to all the fallen Croatian soldiers in Maslenica operation at the Central Cross in the Zadar city cemetery and at the memorial of the 3rd Battalion of  the 4th Guard Brigade – Imotski Falcons in Zadar. Wreaths were laid together by the President of Croatia Ivo Josipović, Croatian Parliament Speaker Josip Leko and Prime Minister Zoran Milanović, and then by delegation of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, led by Lieutenant General Drago Lovrić, delegations of Zadar County and the City of Zadar, generals Ante Gotovina and Damir Krstičević and representatives of veterans organizations.

The academy, along with high government officials, was also attended by ministers of defence, interior and veterans, Ante Kotromanović, Ranko Ostojić and Predrag Matić, parliamentarians, county and city representatives, Maslenica wartime Commander General Ante Gotovina and other distinguished guests. On this occasion the film, made by Bernard Kotlara with authentic footage from Maslenica operation, was projected, followed by the addresses of the highest dignitaries.

Zadar County Prefect Stipe Zrilić said that the Maslenica operation was one of the most difficult and important operations of the Homeland War, and its importance is reflected in moral strength given to the residents of the area, the whole of Croatia, and which created the conditions for the re-connection of the Croatian north and south.

Prime Minister Zoran Milanović said that this operation was the beginning of the end of the Homeland War and that this victory was not just a triumph of the defenders but also the triumph of the Croatian state. Commenting on the importance of the acquittal of the Croatian generals Gotovina and Markač, the PM said that Croatia by this judgment was released of accountability and that it was on the right path all the time, announcing that Croatia, taking its obligations conscientiously, would act in the same way in Europe. “I urge everyone to build a successful, open and confident country”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Croatian Parliament Speaker Josip Leko thanked all Croatian defenders on the successful implementation of the operation, stressing that they showed strength and determination and ensured free and European Croatia. “With each your success, the success of the Republic of Croatia grew. Croatia has won and deserves to be developed to the highest standards of Europe and the world. We must show that we are united in this way, and the Homeland War must remain the best teacher of the Croatian future”, Leko said.

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Ivo Josipović said that Maslenica operation brings to mind the pride, achievement, patriotism and determination of defenders, stressing that now new challenges await for Croatia. “The new generation has the task of making a successful Croatia, a country of peace and democracy, human rights, fairness and justice, make it a state that guarantees all its citizens a better future”, the President said.

The program concluded with the performance of the CAF Orchestra and “Sveti Juraj” Navy Band.