President Ivo Josipovic on Thursday commented that Croatia did not acquit the generals (Gotovina and Markac) but an impartial international tribunal, and he stressed that Croatia had tried 30 people so far for war crimes including generals and some were convicted to long-term penalties and so it isn't necessary for Serbia to do so.
Josipovic added that International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) prosecutor Serge Brammertz had the right to request a review of the verdict but that he would probably not be able to produce any new evidence to support this and "no other verdict against the generals is possible", said Josipovic.
Asked to comment on General Gotovina's statements since his release, Mr. Josipovic said, "Gotovina is a man of principles and sees Croatia as do most of its citizens - as a democratic country in which all citizens, regardless of national or religious affiliation, have the right to a dignified life".
President Josipovic and Agriculture Minister Tihomir Jakovina together with representatives of Croatia's forest company and waterworks visited the town of Donji Lapac in central Croatia where they met with local authorities.
During the visit the delegation met with some Serb families who have returned to their prewar homes and President Josipovic commented that returns were slow but they were conditioned with the lack of utility services and job opportunities.
Minister Jakovina said that the Farmland Act would soon facilitate agricultural activity and investments in this area were being negotiated.
Mayor Dusan Sijan said that in 2004 Serbs returned in greater numbers but this year only one family has re-settled. Returns will only be possible if young people have jobs. According to the mayor, 30% of those who fled Croatia during the war have returned to Donji Lapac.
