An interview with me – thank you Ngobesing – this is a great gesture and gift for my 5 years this October in blogging.
Croatia, the War, and the Future
Ina Vukic - Croatia: people, politics, history, economy, transitioning from communism to democracy
An interview with me – thank you Ngobesing – this is a great gesture and gift for my 5 years this October in blogging.
The place where you can get your: Colour Me Croatian
https://colourmecroatian.com
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)
Hugs have à nice weekend Mella
You too, Mella <3
A great Interview Ina, jut confirms how special a lady you are. I think the Royal Family should be reinstated in Croatia and you should be made Queen, the people would flock to your banner and the communists would run.
Huge Congratulations
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Thank you David, you’re too kind – although I am far removed from royal blood I have at times wished Croatia would take more care and effort in confirming such a status at least in ceremonial ways of those that even distantly of royal blood in Croatia
Wonderful interview, Ina! Promoting truth and justice, which you say in the interview is your goal with the blog, is exactly what you do. Thank you ♥
Cheer Christy, such satisfying pursuits even if they do at time stumble upon barriers 🙂
You are a most impressive person, whose personality is felt across the globe. It is a privilege to know you Ina.
Thank you Cindy, many hugs to you
Draga Ina, Sjajan intervju. Čestitam. Nisam znao ni približno kako značajnu osobu imam za prijateljicu. Volim Tvoju biografiju. I vjernost Domovini, i ljubav za obje tvoje domovine. I Tvoja kritika ovoga svijeta u kojem živimo i Tvoj prezir ratova i nasilja. Hvala Ti na svemu ovome i što si učinila i što ćeš nastaviti raditi. Svemogući Bog bio s Tobom. Tvoj Zvonimir
Translation of comment by Professor Zvonimir Separovic: Dear Ina – a brilliant interview. Congratulations. I was not even close at knowing how a significant person I have as a friend. I like your biography, the loyalty to Homeland and the love for both of your homelands, and your critique of this world in which we live and your contempt of wars and aggression. Thank you for all of this and for what you have done and what you will continue to do. May the Almighty God be with you. Yours, Prof. Zvonimir
REPLY: am so proud of your comment, Zvonimir – thank you. Much love and respect to you and your great achievements and work – always
Love the Quote!
Thank you 😀
Loved this interview Ina.. and I learnt so much more about your amazing self.. 🙂 And can fully appreciate your choices in helping those who are disadvantaged, and having worked in support myself as you know with learning difficulties and in mental health, the rewards are great in seeing happy smiles of others..
Congratulations upon your blogging anniversary also.. And I am so pleased we met here in blog land 😉
Hugs Sue <3
Know what you mean indeed, Sue – there’s not much in life that comes close to making a difference to someones life every day, hugs back and thank you my friend
🙂 indeed there isn’t Ina.. and Mega Hugs returned to you.. You are one amazing lady xx
<3 <3
Ina, you are truly a remarkable woman! <3
Aw thank you Carol – doing my bit for humanity gladly <3
Buna seara Doamna Dr. Ina Vukic !
De fiecare data vin cu mare placere in casuta dumneavoastra virtuala si tot de fiecare data, plec cu multe noutati in capul meu despre viata si activitatea dumneavoastra ! 🙂
Sunt mandru ca am fost acceptat in cercul dumneavoastra de prieteni virtuali ! 🙂
Va multumesc si va doresc un WEEKEND fericit ! 🙂
https://youtu.be/8th0l8Phvho
Cu stima si respect,
Aliosa 🙂 <3 🙂
Translation of comment by Aliosa: Hello Mrs. Ina Vukic! I visit your virtual box with everything with great pleasure each time and now with more news in my head about your life and work! I am proud that I was accepted in your circle of virtual friends! Thank you and wish you a happy weekend! With respect, Aliosa
REPLY: Thank you Aliosa I too am proud to have met you in this wonderful world of blogging and cyberspace. Thank you for your kind words and much respect to you too
I enjoyed reading your interview–thanks for posting it!
Cheers Elisa, great to hear
Special V.I.P. Ina. 🙂
Aww, thank you Ronnie <3
So very proud of you! 😀
Thank you, Landa <3
A most beautiful, moving and clever interview… you are an admirable woman, in many ways, dear Ina….I liked reading about your meaningful contributions, influences and actions… thanks for sharing. 🙂 All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Thank you Aquileana – many hugs XXXXX
You are a rare gift!
Thank you Arlin
I am very very impressed. You have accomplished more compassion, charity and meritorious acts in one life than many others will in ten lifetimes. A brilliant interview.
In Ancient Eastern philosophy , we have a saying that in the depth of misfortune, fortune always arises. Thus, even though Croatia has had exceedingly difficult times from WWII to the start of the 21st Century, I feel that things can only go exponentially better from now on. The fundamentals are certainly in favor: The stunning Adriatic coast, strategic location, rich culture, EU membership and the fact that the world has fundamentally changed in a way that the legacy power of any political dinosaurs are bound to melt away sooner or later.
Though I am not Croatian, I feel a strong affinity with the country for a reason I cannot explain, the food, climate, culture and architecture is simply perfect.
Thank you for all the good things you have done for so many people in their hour of greatest need.
Aw thank you purelandsutras – much appreciate your feedback
Procitaj ovo ;
Memories of a Croatian Soldier – safaric-safaric.si
i
http://www.cosy.sbg.ac.at/~zzspri/index.html
Blessed be
Thank you I will read it
Thought this was well worth sharing to socials again. 😉
Thank you, Kev
Anytime. 🙂
Inavukic we share the same heart of humanity. You are now my new friend https://samulablog.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/
Nice, samulablog 🙂
This post and interview are an inspiration Ina. 🤗
Thank you, Sandra 🙂