President Milanović: We live in difficult times, and the way the world handles problems is leading to further antagonism and possibly war
“The times we live in today are unprecedented, depressing, and troubling. People in leadership positions, especially in Europe, are doing a very poor job and are generally not up to the task. Some issues are unsolvable, and the way they are being addressed is only leading to more antagonism and possibly war,” warned President Zoran Milanović on Sunday evening in New York, at a reception for Croatians living and working in that city, as well as in other cities along the U.S. East Coast.
Comparing the Cold War era with the current global situation, he recalled that during the Cold War it was extremely difficult and required immense focus for different leaders to sit down and discuss important matters. “Over the past twenty years, the world’s security architecture – particularly that of the Western world and the Northern Hemisphere – has been shattered,” President Milanović said. He reiterated that today “we live in difficult times,” and therefore “we must focus on ourselves, our work, and our interests, while ensuring that we do not overextend ourselves in the alliances we are part of – NATO and the European Union.”
Speaking about the EU and Croatia’s role within it, the President emphasized: “Unfortunately, things are not working as they should. I am not referring to the temporary and occasional funds flowing into Croatia for mostly unproductive projects – things that will not turn Croatia into a technological power or a wealthier country. But it is better to have even that, because when it stops, new serious challenges will arise. Croatia must remain loyal to the alliances it belongs to and respect the obligations it has undertaken, but it must never allow itself to be dragged into schemes or adventures it did not shape, because that is not solidarity. No one can demand that from us, and as far as I am concerned, they will not get it.”
Addressing the war in Gaza, President Milanović said: “We can advocate for the recognition of Palestine. Some say it will not make much difference. And it won’t – but certain issues need to be resolved in order to move forward. The world will never be perfect or free of crises, flaws, and shortcomings, and we must learn to adapt,” concluded the Croatian President.
The meeting of President Milanović and his spouse, Prof. Dr. Sanja Musić Milanović, with Croatians in New York was organized ahead of the President’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which begins today. President Milanović is scheduled to deliver his speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. Today, he will also participate in the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan