President of the Republic Attends Ceremony for Graduates of Defense Studies at “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defense Academy

26. June 2020.
16:13

The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended a ceremony for graduates of defense studies (Advanced Officer Training, Basic Officer and Pilot Training, “Blago Zadro” Command and Staff School, “Ban Josip Jelačić” War College) at the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defense Academy.

The President expressed his regret because family members could not attend the graduation ceremony due to the coronavirus and said the following in his address to the graduates: “This misfortune that has devastated us in the last few months will not cease, but in a year’s time the world will be even more connected, intertwined and complicated than it is today. In that world, your role as the guardians of Croatian independence and integrity will be even more challenging; it is a role in which you will know what your task is. Because it’s hard when soldiers and police officers don’t know what their task is and what the rules are.”

A democratic, organized, modern, civilized authority always makes sure that the people are protected and shows how much it cares about its people, how much it invests in them and how much it makes their mission clear, realistic and feasible, the President pointed out. In that sense, as the President of Croatia and in accordance with the Constitution, as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces who is responsible for the defense and territorial independence and integrity of Croatia, I will do everything to make your tasks and your duties in the country – above all in the country and related to the country, but also abroad, in the missions in which you are participating – as clear as possible and that you know what to do at any given moment,” the President underscored.

He emphasized that the training they underwent was very difficult and demanding and that tasks in their units now await them. If you go abroad on one of the missions, I will and we will do everything so you know what your task is and for you to participate in military, not policing tasks, not in running after culprits but exclusively in clearly defined missions of international military cooperation and collective defense. That is very, very important,” President Milanović added.

“The Croatian Army will be modernized in accordance with our capabilities and that is the truth. However, there are always priorities. Within the frame of what is required, it can be more, it can be as usual, and it can be less. Being aware of all the limitations, I will advocate for this to be more – this is my job and my duty,” the President stated, adding that Croatia’s neighbours are friendly states. “There are moments of misunderstanding in relations between humans, even within families, and especially between states and nations. I am convinced that we will surpass them in a civilized way, through dialogue and openness, and get over them in a peaceful way, and that we will cooperate with our neighbours even better than before,” President Milanović concluded.

Diplomas were received by 177 graduates of defense studies at the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defense Academy. In addition to diplomas, graduates were presented with other symbols to mark the end of their training, including ranks, rings and officer’s daggers. The most successful graduates were given special awards and commendations.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta