President Milanović: I expect a response from Croat representatives in BiH – do they want me to fight for their rights?
After attending a special session of the Slavonski Brod City Council, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović gave statements to representatives of the media, focusing among other topics on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Responding to a reporter’s question about Turkey’s demands in regard to the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, President Milanović said: “We have no issue with Sweden or Finland as such, we have a problem across the Sava River, while Turkey is fighting for its interests and even dignity in these matters. But it is interesting that the Turks are reacting only now, and this has been talked about for a month. That’s because no one has talked to them so far. Now, when you see how they treat Turkey, a country of 85 million people that has very delicate relations with Russia, the United States and Europe, you can only imagine how they treat us who are 23 times smaller. I am not pleased with the situation with Turkey, with the fact that Turkey reacted, because it puts us in the background – if we were united and unanimous on this topic, and unfortunately we are not.”
President Milanović emphasized he believes that he was very clear on what he seeks to accomplish. “Protect Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina from a rude and criminal oppression. These topics are of great importance to me. We can protect our compatriots in BiH, this time not with weapons as 30 years ago. What is preventing Croatia from standing up loudly and clearly for its compatriots in Bosnia and Herzegovina? What is in danger? Just the career prospects of a few people and no one else,” said the President of the Republic.
“Given that decision time is approaching and we need to take action or not, I want to say here – I am not doing this for myself or for my legacy. I would like to hear a clear message from the representatives of Croats in BiH, not only from Mr. Čović, but others as well. Do they see in what I am advocating and fighting for meaning, interest, benefit? Do they see the possibility of achieving something with that? Or should I stop? But their response must be loud and clear – yes or no. Nothing in between. For me to go further and undertake certain things, they will need to clearly say whether to continue like this. Let’s see then if we can be united. This is an opportunity for Croatian unity from which there is nothing to lose,” he underscored.
“I expect the representatives of Croats in BiH to take a clear stand – for the Croatian National Assembly to say ‘keep it up, let’s get into that kind of venture’. If I don’t hear that, then I will rethink things,” concluded the President of the Republic.