Honourable Speaker of the Croatian Parliament
Honourable Madam Prime Minister
President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia
Ladies and gentlemen, officials of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities of the Republic of Croatia, officers of the Armed Forces, religious dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps,
Distinguished guests, 
  
The date of 25 June 1991 when the Croatian Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Proclamation of the Sovereign and Independent Republic of Croatia is, beyond doubt, one of the most important dates in Croatian history. The Declaration was adopted in the days when the threat of Milošević's policy of aggression against the Republic of Croatia was already looming. This was not only an expression of resistance to this policy, but it was also the unequivocal will of Croatian citizens declared at the referendum on 19 May 1991, expressing the wish to have their own sovereign and independent state of Croatia. The Croatian state was defended in a just war of defence, bringing with it grave victims and destruction. Our democratic state of Croatia, created in the Homeland War, based on the heritage of anti-fascism, is our great pride today.  
 
Allow me to express gratitude to all those who have participated in the creation of the independent and sovereign Republic of Croatia, in its defence and liberation, and to all those who have stood up for the building and promotion of democracy or have in any other way contributed to the development of modern Croatia. I owe special thanks, of course, to the Croatian veterans, especially to those who gave up their lives and their health, building themselves into the foundations of our Croatia.
 
This year we celebrate Statehood Day in the brunt of a serious economic crisis. It is even deeper because it did not come just from market conditions, but from a total social crisis, a crisis of a whole system of values. Social and personal values have been formed largely on the back of illegal and unfair transformation and privatisation, irresponsibility in exercising government authority or in holding positions of authority in economic operations. Therefore, in order for society to emerge from the crisis, to achieve a better economic status for citizens, it will not be sufficient to implement economic measures. It will be necessary to conduct an uncompromising fight against corruption and organised crime, a fight against idleness and irresponsibility.  The changes in the legal system which have recently been introduced, especially the new constitutional provision on the statute of limitations not applying to crimes arising from transformation and privatisation, amendments to the Criminal Code, and strict compliance with public procurement regulations are a good start. The reform of the justice system and of the state administration and of local and regional government, their rationalisation and greater efficiency, the decentralisation of both responsibilities and funds, are all conditions for the success of the reforms and economic development.   
 
By supporting the economic measures of the Government of the Republic of Croatia which will help carry out the reform, I wish to remind everybody that Croatia is also a welfare state. Social justice, which is part of the Croatian political tradition, is particularly important in a time of crisis. It not only means a just distribution of the burden of the crisis, but also the right of workers to a decent salary, dignity and social security. I am convinced that the implementation of reforms and the demand for social justice are not mutually exclusive categories. A large number of signatures collected in the referendum concerning the Labour Act show this.  
 
This is the year when we are approaching the end of the long negotiations on the path towards the membership of the Republic of Croatia in the European Union. The outcome of the referendum in the Republic of Slovenia additionally motivates us all to contribute from our side to opening and closing the remaining chapters. Along these lines, the Republic of Croatia has additionally strengthened cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal in the Hague, as set out in our Constitutional Act. The pace of the negotiating process also depends to a large extent on the competent bodies of the European Union and the political readiness of all Member States to see to it that the negotiation process is completed in a correct manner.  
 
The Republic of Croatia remains dedicated to the development of good relations with neighbouring countries, while respecting mutual interests. It is a vital interest for our citizens to resolve all outstanding issues with our neighbours and to build relations which will strengthen security and open up prospects to boost economic cooperation. Croatia will continue to care for Croatians living in neighbouring countries as a constitutive nation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or as a national minority in other countries. Croatia will also build the highest standards of minority rights for members of national minorities living in Croatia.  
 
The Republic of Croatia still wishes to improve cooperation with countries outside Europe, and it counts on the prominent role of Croatian immigrants in various countries to help it do so. Firm partnership with the USA, and developed relationships with China, Russia, South-American and African states are important determinants of the Croatian foreign policy. 
  
This year we can also underline that the Republic of Croatia has transformed itself, within a brief period, from a country receiving international assistance into a country that has been for a number of years responsibly participating in peace-keeping missions throughout the world, and now also as a member of NATO. Our international efforts will remain focused on cooperation in the service of peace and security. 
         
Since its declaration of independence, Croatia has taken great strides in the democratisation of its society. It is essential to continue enhancing democratic development and encouraging citizen involvement in social life. It is particularly important to insist on strengthening democracy and human rights and preventing any type of discrimination. 
  
On this occasion I would also like to stress the very constructive contribution of religious communities in many spheres of social life, especially in the moral, social and spiritual domain. 
Proud of our achievements, we can optimistically express our conviction that the Republic of Croatia will continue to successfully develop as a modern democratic state and as an equal member of the community of states of Europe and of the world. We all have a duty to make our own contribution to achieve this. 
  
My sincere congratulations on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia to all of you!