rime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic received a war veterans' delegation on Friday, saying he wanted to hear first hand what their problems were and what the government could do to resolve them together with them as partners.
Speaking to reporters, Oreskovic said he would meet with another veterans' delegation on Tuesday and thanked veterans on their contribution to the defence of the country without which, he said, he could not have become prime minister.
The president of an association of disabled veterans and a leader of an ongoing veterans' protest, Djuro Glogoski, said the delegation briefed Oreskovic about the 502-day-long protest and veterans' problems, and that they met with understanding.
"We want the veterans to be a part of society because we know they have been pushed to the fringes of society for years. Veterans can make a big contribution to society and we agreed to go on together in the interest of the Croatian people and state because that's what Croatian veterans want," Glogoski said.
Asked by the press when a new veterans' minister would be appointed, Oreskovic said next week. Asked about the European Commission's recommendations to restrict veterans' rights, he said he would be able to say more about that next week after examining the recommendations and talking with other veterans' associations.
Asked about the nomination of Milijan Brkic for veterans' minister, Oreskovic said that his and other possible nominations would be on the table and that he would discuss this with veterans' associations next week. If the associations are willing to nominate a candidate, they can do so and the best person will be chosen for this very important ministry, he added.
Asked if Brkic was an acceptable candidate for the office, Glogoski said that Brkic had been a defender and that he recognised veterans' problems. If he is appointed, Brkic will certainly contribute to the ministry's work and we will cooperate with him, he added.
(Text: Hina)
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