Milanović: ‘We live in years of savagery, trampling and contempt for international law…’

“Times are terrible. In these times, perhaps for the first time in history, Croatia is enjoying the benefit of this position, the luck of being in a relatively peaceful and safe place,” said Milanovic. in an appropriate address at the plenary session of the Municipal Council of the municipality of Vela Luka on the occasion of the Day of the municipality and the holiday of St. Josip.

He cited one episode that he said shaped him as a person and a politician. The then Greben Shipyard in Vela Luka was given the opportunity to build patrol ships for Libya in 2003, which was then under the regime of UN sanctions, he noted and added that the construction was abandoned due to pressure.

Croatia, he pointed out, was left without that job, and when the sanctions were lifted a few months later, the job of building the ships was given to France, which was the most persuasive of Croatia to give up construction.

“I learned a lot from that. This episode determined me a lot about how to look at sweet talk and big phrases in the relations between people and politicians, and especially the state, and how to be guided by one golden principle, which is: look at yourself and be true to yourself when it comes to the state,” President Milanović said.

He reminded that Gaddafi was later killed, the government fell apart and migrants started coming to Europe from those shores, which were once controlled by the Bedouin dictator.

Milanović said that even today Croatia “should look at its own interest, listen first of all to itself, not be seduced by any big phrases and slogans about solidarity with anyone, about helping this or that, see that you do not betray some fundamental human principles, principles and settings – this should be the guiding thread for Croatia”.

“Croatia rarely in history has the opportunity to look at itself, its work and make decisions exclusively from that perspective. And hope that this storm and this time of evil will pass, that some better times and some more peaceful and reasonable moments will come. And until then, let’s stick together”, concluded President Milanovic.

The president of the Vela Luka municipal council Zoran Manestar, the head of the municipality Katarina Gugi also spoke at the ceremony. and ž county of Dubrovač co-Neretva ž county of Blaž Peso. Annual awards were presented at the session to the most deserving individuals and organizations for their contribution to the development of the municipality.

On the eve of the official meeting of Milanovi also attended the cultural and artistic program – a performance by the Vela Luka Folk Music and the Association of Majorette Girls in front of the Vela Luka Elementary School building.

President Milanovi was accompanied by the head of the President’s Office, Orsat Miljeni. and advisor for relations with local and regional self-government Nikša Peronja.