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Croatia, the War, and the Future
Ina Vukic - Croatia: people, politics, history, economy, transitioning from communism to democracy
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Welcome to my blog. Here I will bring to you a variety of topics covering the documented truth about that terrible war that Croatia had to endure during the period between 1991 and 1995 and about Croatian political history that shaped a wonderful nation of people.
Croatian people wanted independence for centuries, just as they had it until the twelfth century but fate was not on their side – others wanted their beautiful land. In late 1980′s the will to break free from Yugoslavia which suffocated freedom and self determination through harsh communist party rule finally bore the desired fruit.
In June 1991 Croatia declared its independence; soon after the aggressive war against Croatia broke out. The struggle of the Croatian people for self-determination was a just one. But I fear genuine justice has not been served as there have been, and there still exist, international covert and overt moves to equate victims with aggressors continue in attempts to change history. Truth often becomes obscured and lost and that is why I have chosen to write this blog, to concentrate on actual events and issues about Croatia – wishing it a bright and freedom-loving future.
It certainly was not easy to come out of the war that was fought on two fronts:
1. On the military front the world’s public has seen the indiscriminate bombardment of Croatian cities, towns and villages from land, sea and air; the destruction of civilian targets including homes, schools, hospitals, churches, factories and cultural monuments; the blockading and destruction of roads, bridges and ports; the blockading of power, water, food and medical supplies. What hasn’t been shown on our television sets is the forced clearing and evacuation of towns and villages, followed by looting, torture, rape and murder carried out by the Serbian forces, who were initially backed by the federal Yugoslav army that was largely constituted by Serb nationals; the transportation of multiple hundreds of innocent Croatian civilians from Croatia into concentration camps Serbia (Begejci, Stajicevo, Sremska Mitrovica... from October 1991, and later (1992) transferred into Serb-held camps in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Omarska, Keratern, Manjaca, Trnopolje).
2. The second front was the war of political propaganda centred on: misinformation about the rights of minorities in Croatia; portrayal of the Croatian people as Ustasha or Fascists; the representation of the Croatian defence forces as illegal paramilitary units; the representation of the Croatian and Slovenian republics as unreasonable secessionists who are unwilling to negotiate; a regurgitation of distorted facts about World War II.
Indeed Croatia had an absolute right to defend itself and this is often forgotten if not often denied it.
Ina has been a tireless volunteer on humanitarian aid and fundraising for victims of war in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially war orphans. From1991 to beginning of 1994 she contributed in lobbying for international recognition of Croatian independence and Croatia’s rights in defending its territory and people from military aggression by Serbian forces. For this dedicated voluntary work Ina was awarded two Medals of Honour by the first president of the Republic of Croatia in 1995 (Commemorative Medal of the Homeland War and Order of the Croatian Trefoil).Ina has also written hundreds articles for newspapers in Australia and Croatia on the plight of Croatian people for freedom and self-determination, developing democracy in former communist countries. She holds two graduate and one post-graduate university degrees, specialising in behaviour, clinical and political psychology and management.
Blessed Alojzije (Aloysius) Stepinac Feast Day February 10
“When they take everything from you, you’ll be left with two hands; put them together in prayer and then you’ll be the strongest.” Blessed Aloysius Stepinac (1898 – 1960)
“They could not, nor will they ever be able to kill our passion and our need to live in human dignity, in peace with ourselves and with the free nations of Europe. We have carved out that right at our first democratic elections. For this right and for our sacred land we are even ready to die” – Dr Franjo Tudjman (1922-1999) ( Addressing the Croatian nation at the moment of the start of Serbian aggression against Croatia, 16 October 1991)
What a joke these EU Parliament elections are!
24 lists from what I hear and the election was scheduled very fast with a three week campaign. This was done very strategically (IMHO) so that the small parties have almost no chance of getting organized and getting their message out.
I am about 97.5% certain that only members from the HDZ and SDP will be going to Brussels.
For your reference, here are the lists
http://www.izbori.hr/izbori/dip_ws.nsf/0/92B9F96BCD8DCEAEC1257B340035C368/$file/kandidatura_rjesenja.pdf
If I could vote you would have mine.I would love for you to run for office and become prime minister or president of Croatia.You are a voice for a strong Croatia and we need people like you.
Zeljko what you say may be true but that should not stop people from trying to make a difference. you can help by voting and telling all of your friends to register to vote. Everyone can help and get involved through email and social network to get the word out. people can learn that more then 2 parties can make a difference.
Thanks Michael – good to know!
Great to see you running Ina – good luck! Vesna S-O isn’t on this list? Or am I thinking of the wrong group?
It’s a non-party list, independent group, independent of political parties – Branko – the Democratic Centre “vessel” is much appreciated because it proved accommodating and motivating for people, individuals, who can and wish to make a difference – made candidature process easier. I do not think that any other party has shown such advanced selflessness – all others are pushing their own members whether they’re suitable or not, which leaves a great deal to be desired when it comes to progress and creating ways individuals can express express themselves the easiest possible way. There was really little time to collect signatures and generally little time to plan campaigns but the will to join the race has been standing strong for quite some time.
Great news – life always looks better when we come across such positive energy. Best of luck Ina, to you and all the candidates on the list. Looking good!
Mara, thank you. We soldier on!
The diaspora comes in to contribute – once again. The best way to be. Fare well and “go and get them”, Ina
Thank you Spectator!
It’s so refreshing to see a list that is independent and filled with highly professional, established and proven people. Good luck all!
Yes I agree Miso Sorbel, a great deal of love for Croatia and energy to positively contribute has been invested in making the list of candidates. Thank you
What great news! I hear there are quite a large number of candidates running and the race to EU parliament is not an easy feat – as Zeljko commented – the main parties will most likely be the ones to go to Brussels as they take over the media but it is so important to join the race. Be in it. Let the world know there are those who would do a much better job then them – and this list looks full of individuals who have made it in life and who are respected in society. Marvelous stuff! Wish you all the best of luck
Thank you Wilkinson!
Being a part of this is just superb! Go and win a place – show what you can do! Good Luck
I will try my hardest Thewindsofchange! Appreciate your support.
I always love independent candidates because they always fight the hardest. Because they’re there due to widespread inefficiency of those that govern or are on top. So – have a great race, Ina, and good luck
Mario Seve, thank you
Right on, Ina! I know you can be Croatia’s “Nigel Farage”out there – loud and clear for interests of Croatia within the EU.
Well, well, Robert Fox – never been compared with Nigel Farage but actually I don’t mind it – I guess I’m quite forthright, direct, have no qualms in speaking loudly what needs to be said etc. So, don’t mind the parallel at all. Cheers!
Another great way of the diaspora making a real difference in the life of Croatia – as always. One for all, one for one – I’d say that’s what this list implies. Strength, knowledge and willpower!
Good luck. What a lovely face of Croatia here! Congratulations for having the will and determination in going that step further in supporting Croatia’s democracy
Marko L – thank you!
The best news I’ve had for quite a while, given the scandalous and hopeless political scene in Croatia at the moments when almost all you see and read in the media are pathetic slinging matches between HDZ, SDP, Labor and what not. Just disgraceful. Good luck and even if you don’t get there this time it’s absolutely refreshing to see you in this race, Ina.
Thank you Jessamy, much appreciated
March along and fare well, lady – and your colleagues! Great times are coming! Good luck!
Will hold you to it, Howard D – thank you
Adding to choices people can make when they vote in this great way is just superb. Good luck.
Thanks MatT
You’re not just words Ina, you act too! Congratulations!
Cheers BraveNewWorld – the point of words is best utilised when we act on them – the good and progressive ones that is.
Great! How can we help? Will you be campaigning in Croatia?
Thank you Sunman – will not be present in Croatia for the campaign but if win is the go, suitcases already packed. There’s always next year’s big EUP elections – so I’m a a path
We can all help by sending emails and phone calls to everyone we know in Croatia and abroad. Everyone that registers can vote.Contact everyone you know and every club and organization world wide and ask them to support Ina.
I will pray for your success everyday and know that god is looking down upon you with his blessings knowing that you are a champion of the people and our country.
Political paths are long and hard but if we prevail then we all made a difference for our country. Remember Croatia First always!~Za Dom Spremni!~
Thanks Michael – will also be publishing brief bio of each candidate soon – a top team!
Fresh energy – what a blessing. Keep at it and good luck!
Thank you Zohan
Those bozos leading Croatia in the last 15 years, SDP & HDZ should not even run for EU Parliament. Hope you guys make them shake in their rotting boots.
Love your homour Pero Svila, thank you on your comment
I can just picture it – hordes of candidates running the race and most of them don’t even know how democracy truly translates down to the grassroots, if they did then Croatia wouldn’t be in such shambles with politicians slinging mud at each other while numbers of unemployed and the hungry grows. What could those so-called politicians contribute to EU Parliament!? Bugger all. New, professional, capable, sharp, worldly lot is needed – you have my vote many times over! Good luck!
Thank you Mercy.
You have a clear mind Ina, the people on the list you’re a part of are all solid, respected professionals who take the cake of any list I’ve come across. Many candidates on other lists look desperate to hold onto something for personal reasons and you all have made it in life, are well comfortable where you are and that’s the best place to go from when entering a path in politics. Good luck and good on you! Best of luck.
Appreciate your thoughts The First Born, thank you
I don’t know why you bother, it’s a mad house in Croatia – politically speaking and let’s not even mention the dire economic mismanagement. Corruption! Ah, so entrenched that one doubts any decent person can get ahead. But, I agree with Michael Silovic – if everyone decent gave up then Croatia is in real trouble, so people need a helping hand when you see they’re very likely to make a big difference. Good for you – you have my vote.
Thank you on your comment Andrija Kastelan
Ina, your decision to run is a great day for Croatia and its citizens. You’re representation in the EU parliament will make every Croatian proud. As long as there are candidates like you, Mr. Lang, and the rest of the people on your list, the future looks bright. Persistence to fight for the truth, freedom and the right of Croatian people for self determination will win in the end. May God Bless you.
Thank you Mario Budak, your words are much appreciated.
If I could vote, you’d definitely have my vote Ina! I’m so glad to see you and Mr. Lang on that list. Thank you. I’ll do what little I can to make people I know aware of your campaign and I will pray for your success, we need voices like yours to be heard.
Thank you Kat – it’s unfortunate that so little time has been given for campaigning but we will try our best within circumstances that appear and possible media selectivity given the clout major political parties have. People though, may find a way to a better future, a good solid representation in EU Parliament without the frills and impossible promises many loud candidates are throwing about. There’s always today and tomorrow may just surprise us all! Word of mouth is the best campaign one can hope for because it comes from the heart.
Dear Ina!
Big Congratulations for your candidacy in the EU Parliament!
I introduced you through your ‘blogging’ and I am your regular reader! You are Great Intellectual Croatian Representative and I only wish that will be more persons like you and Dr. Lang in position to make wise decisions for Croatian Better Future!
I, also have one interesting article/letter of Croatian Poet Mile Pesorda, who is my friend from my students days from University of Sarajevo, from 1971, and I would like if you can read it and maybe write a comment on that?! How I can forwarded that to you?
Thank you Zrinka on your warm words. Much appreciated.
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