20th anniversary of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces

The ceremony was attended by the Commander in Chief and President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipovic, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, Minister of Defence Davor Bozinovic, Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Drago Lovric, most of the former chiefs of staff, their deputies and assistants, retired and active generals and admirals and many other guests.

Welcoming all present, Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Drago Lovric, thanked everyone who over the past two decades contributed to the formation of the Croatian Armed Forces and the formation of CAF General Staff (GS). “It was during the worst moments, the biggest battles, and you had with your knowledge, tenacity and courage created the foundations of what we have today and contributed to the fact that Croatia had become a valued member of NATO”, Lovric said.

Lieutenant General Antun Tus, the first Chief of General Staff, in his speech recalled the turbulent times and difficult decisions that have marked the beginning of the Homeland war, the establishment of the CAF and the time when he was on its forehead. “1991 was the most important year in the Croatian history, because then it was defended today’s independent and free Republic of Croatia”, Lieutenant General Tus said.

“The Republic of Croatia since 1991 until 2011 underwent such path as some others passed through centuries: we liberated the country, built it, and became respected members of international alliances. This year we mark the twentieth anniversary of Croatian independence, the twentieth anniversary of CAF, the twentieth anniversary of many of our victories”, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor said at the ceremony.

In his speech, Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces and President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipovic said that today’s Army was a role model of the de-politicized armed forces, effective army that was at all times ready to respond to challenges. “The Croatian Armed Forces is a firm supporter of a free and stable, European Croatia, – and it does fulfils me with respect and pride”, President Josipovic concluded.