A ceremony in Zadar's national theatre on Tuesday marked the 20th anniversary of a military-police operation Maslenica that liberated Croatia's territory on the mid-Adriatic coast in the 1990s war. The ceremony was attended by President Ivo Josipovic, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, Parliament Speaker Josip Leko, many ministers, members of the Croatian Army and police force, local officials and mayors, war commanders, veterans and families of killed soldiers and General Ante Gotovina.
The ceremony started with a documentary film about Operation Maslenica portraying the events of January 1993.
President Ivo Josipovic underscored that this was an operation that brought back many memories.
"We recall the pride, success and patriotism and resoluteness for Croatia to be free, successful and a proper European country. Even though 20 years has gone by, that same resoluteness and love toward the homeland can be seen in the eyes of our compatriots here, said President Josipovic.
"General, you are a symbol of victory in the Homeland War and after all the battles that you fought with your men, today I was most impressed with the dove that you set free", Josipovic said turning to General Gotovina, adding that the dove tells us that the war ended long ago and now we are faced with new battles for Croatia which too, we will win.
Today, we need to make Croatia to be successful. Twenty years after Operation Maslenica, Croatia is a better country and has the strength to be one of the significant factors in the region and Europe, Josipovic said.
Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic said that the Maslenica operation was the beginning of the end of the war.
The operation determined Croatia's future freedom. Two months ago was a big day for Croatia with the acquittal (of Croatian generals by the UN tribunal in The Hague). I was pleased to see that the community remained correct without any excessive euphoria but acted like a civilised nation should. Not only were our generals acquitted, that verdict alleviated Croatia of any responsibility. Croatia took the right path and that is how we will behave in a modern Europe, said Milanovic.
"Resistance in war, benevolence in victory and good will in peace. My cabinet will implement policies of good will and will remain open to our neighbours, retaining our identity and wealth not just material but spiritual too", he said.
Expressing gratitude to all war veterans and participants in Operation Maslenica, Parliament Speaker Josip Leko said that with it, a great deal more than just strategic military victory was achieved.
"You showed that Croatia has the strength and will, resoluteness and ability to liberate its country and secure a free, democratic and European Croatia. After Operation Maslenica restored peace, freedom and independence, each successful operation raised Croatia's reputation and impact, said Leko, adding that the acquittal of Croatian generals Markac and Gotovina raised Croatia's reputation on the global map which is something we can and must preserve.
