"We have self-confidence, we showed it in the struggle for independence. I am confident that with the same self-confidence, with the joint efforts of all Croatian citizens, we will manage to deal with this complex situation in the state and the economy. Our children and future generations expect it of us," said Leko.

He stressed that Croatian citizens, in more than two decades of independence, had managed to build Croatia from a country that literally fought for its survival in the defensive and just Homeland War into a democratic state of the Croatian people and all its citizens, a country of parliamentary democracy, rule of law, and market economy.

All those democratic values, as well as the commitment to anti-fascism and anti-totalitarianism, make Croatia modern, democratic and European, said Leko.

"We have every reason to be proud today. In a little over two decades, we have achieved enormously much in state and political building, and the most, first and foremost, in patriotism, unity and our own knowledge, using it and upgrading the positive historical experience. But it will take more generations for the state to be fully built and function in all areas in accordance with the needs and interests of its citizens."

Leko said Croatia owed its independence and freedom most to the defenders who bore the heaviest load of the just, liberating and defensive Homeland War.

"Without its veterans, Croatia is like a body without a soul," he said, thanking them on parliament's behalf for their unreserved patriotism and courage, determination and perseverance.

Leko recalled that 8 October 1991, when the Croatian parliament adopted a decision to sever all state and legal ties with the former Yugoslavia, marked a watershed in the struggle of Croatia and its citizens to win independence.

On that occasion, parliament upheld the will for an independent Croatia its citizens expressed at a 19 May 1991 referendum based on which, the following June 25, it adopted a constitutional decision on sovereignty and independence.

"With that, parliament sent a clear and unambiguous message to the international public which looked unwillingly on the independence of Croatia and Slovenia - staying in the then SFRY (Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) was no longer an option for Croatia, Croatia was resolutely embarking on its own path, a path of freedom, democracy and independence."

On parliament's behalf, Leko congratulated all Croatian citizens on Independence Day, wishing them to build unity to succeed in their intent to make Croatia equal and successful, "as we mapped out," when it joins the European Union next year.

He said parliament had intended to observe Independence Day at a special plenary session but decided to observe it at a Presidency session after Speaker Boris Sprem died on September 30.