Operation Storm and victim of Croatian veterans are a constant inspiration for us in the construction of modern Croatia

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Sunday that Operation Storm and values of the Homeland War should today as well be an incentive to build a strong and successful Homeland, adding that Croatia today advocated cooperation and good neighbourly relations which must be based on the truth, reconciliation, justice and the ability to responsibly face the past.

"Croatia was big in its victory and already in 1996 it offered a hand of peace through the normalisation of relations with Serbia. Today we advocate cooperation and good neighbourly relations which must be be based on the truth, reconciliation, justice and the ability to responsibly face the past. This means finding those responsible for all crimes committed during the war. However, lack of readiness of some people to face the past only delays a true reconciliation. Assuming responsibility in a sincere fashion has, for example, enabled permanent reconciliation between France and Germany and created firm foundations for today's European Union," Plenkovic said at the central celebration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian War Veterans Day and the 23rd anniversary of Operation Storm in Knin on Sunday.

He recalled that Operation Storm in only a few days entirely nullified the effects of the five-year occupation of Croatia.

The Prime Minister underlined that modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Police, as guarantors of the security of the country and the safety of its citizens, was an obligation of every responsible government. Therefore, the procurement of Israeli F-16 Barak fighter jets was an important step which will help Croatia become even more safe, capable of responding to all security challenges. Plenkovic said.

Text: Hina

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