President Milanović: In these troubled times we live in, we need to focus more on ourselves and think about our own interests
“We are witnessing significant turning points in the world, particularly in the realms of security and defense. Week by week, month by month, the dynamics of certain processes bring us face-to-face with new faits accomplis – dramas we did not script. I hear that some 100,000 soldiers are being planned for Ukraine. This is not the first piece of news regarding decisions and developments on which we were not consulted at all – not only us, but even those more powerful than us,” the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović warned today at the observance of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defense Academy Day and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defense Academy.
In this context, President Milanović emphasized how “difficult it is to conduct politics and take responsibility for national security and the lives of people – our people, soldiers, people like you – and there are not many of you in Croatia.” He continued: “You do serious work, work that is relentless – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But can we truly afford to be completely relaxed and at ease, leaving the most critical decisions to someone else, or do we need to take the reins into our own hands a bit more? Can we allow ourselves to be dependent on imports for everything, or should we decide to start producing some things ourselves?” the President asked.
In his address, President Milanović spoke about the production of weapons and the ongoing discussion about allocating two percent of GDP for defense. “Croatia is a small country with a small population. We cannot do everything ourselves, nor can we produce everything ourselves. We don’t even produce what we could in terms of our country’s defense and security, such as various types of ammunition. As a result, we are reliant on purchasing from a small number of suppliers and manufacturers, and these products are dramatically expensive,” said President Milanović. He emphasized that “in these troubling times we live in, we need to focus a bit more on ourselves and think about our own interests and the consequences of our decisions and thought processes.” He added, “Sometimes, we must adopt a defensive stance – not overextend ourselves or pursue matters we do not fully understand, know, or recognize the consequences of – but instead, focus simply on ourselves.”
“This Christmas season, more than in previous years, I believe it is time to ask ourselves where the world is heading and where we stand within it. Are we merely followers, or are we individuals who think critically, treat others kindly, and, if possible, sincerely? We are the ones who determine our destiny and decide what we will do and what we will not do,” said President Milanović. He emphasized that we need to confront ourselves honestly and be confident and assured in what our values truly are.
“Our values are our values; they are the common denominator of the four million of us. This tendency of our European allies to explain to everyone else how they should live, what their values should be, what is beautiful and what is ugly, what is polite and what is rude, what is acceptable – is not something we should follow,” said President Milanović, emphasizing that he fully respects those who are different. “I call for reason as the ultimate refuge of intelligent people, for the interest of Croatia, and for rational judgment of what serves our interest and what does not, what is clear and what is shrouded in total fog, and where we should avoid causing offense,” said the President of the Republic.
On the occasion of the observance of “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defense Academy Day, the President of the Republic issued Decisions regarding decorations and promotions. The Homeland War Memorial Medal, for his participation in the Homeland War, was awarded to employee Dražen Vuk.
The President of the Republic issued a Decision on the promotion of active officers of the Croatian Armed Forces. Promoted to the rank of Colonel: Lieutenant Colonel Goran Karlović. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel: Major Franjo Dujmić, Major Matea Knez, Major Renata Koković Novosel, Major Siniša Kolić, Major Darijo Veljanovski, and Major Veronika Šoštarić. Promoted to the rank of Major: Captain Tomislav Brzica and Captain Mateja Marić. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade: Ensign Jurica Modrić.
In addition to President Milanović, the ceremony was addressed by the Commander of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defense Academy, Major General Slaven Zdilar; the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid; and the State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and delegate of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Branko Hrg.
The President of the Republic was accompanied by the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense Ivica Olujić, the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Education Jadranka Žarković, and the Aide-de-camp to the President of the Republic Colonel Vlado Čulina.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan