President Milanović Attends 75th Anniversary Celebration of Croatian Association of the Blind
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended the formal session marking the 75th anniversary of the Croatian Association of the Blind, the national association that strives to contribute to the affirmation of blind persons in the Republic of Croatia through its activities.
Congratulating the Association members on their anniversary President Milanović in his address at the formal session asked whether enough was done in his political career regarding blind persons. “I can’t talk about the miracles we accomplished because we didn’t accomplish miracles. We did small things and the feeling was that it wasn’t enough, that we can do better, that people who cannot take to the streets to shout, threaten, throw rocks, insult are being forgotten”, the President said.
He added that now that he is not in the position to promise money, a status and legal definitions to anyone, he can only watch and follow. “If we did something, if I did something when I had the power and if you recognized it, I’m a slightly happier person”, he said.
His wish for the members of the Croatian Association of the Blind is to define as soon as possible “what should be defined under the law and that an extra million is there for you in the European funds”. “Because the European Union and our membership, after all these years, is ultimately an issue of money”, the President noted, and underlined that the principal task of this generation of politicians should be the absorption of European funds.
At the ceremony marking the 75th anniversary, a presentation was made of the Croatian Association of the Blind’s current projects, and the “16th June Award” was presented, which is conferred symbolically upon the most deserving donors, volunteers and other associates.
Attending the formal session with President Milanović was the Adviser to the President for Human Rights and Civil Society Melita Mulić.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas