Croatia and Serbia "willing to close book on conflict"

Croatian President Ivo Josipović has addressed the Serbian parliament to say that for the sake of a better future, the two nations had to restore mutual trust.

Izvor: Tanjug

Thursday, 17.10.2013.

10:48

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BELGRADE Croatian President Ivo Josipovic has addressed the Serbian parliament to say that for the sake of a better future, the two nations had to restore mutual trust. They must also "close the book on their conflict and show political will and determination to end the cycle of conflict and clear the way for a true partnership," he said. Croatia and Serbia "willing to close book on conflict" Josipovic stressed that the fact he was the first Croatian president to speak in the Serbian parliament proved that the two countries had matured politically to the point that they were willing to close the book on their conflict and start an era of friendship. Both sides are obligated to focus on the present and future of their people, with all due respect to the past, he noted. "If we differ in our view on historical circumstances, we nevertheless have to stand united in one thing, we have to stand united in condemning every war crime," Josipovic stated, adding that it was the only way to guarantee to the future generations that no side would ever again commit war crimes against the other. The history of modern Europe is a history of forgiveness and strategic generosity, he underscored, adding that the people had elected the present governments to solve problems, not create more. The two countries cannot continue to waste their energy on immature arguments about leadership and who is more important, bigger or stronger, but they should instead strive towards partnership in development, European values and humaneness, he remarked. The relations between Serbia and Croatia are important for the entire Southeast Europe, Josipovic pointed out, promising assistance to Serbia and other countries of the region on their way towards the EU. "Croatia will help Serbia and all its neighbors as much as they ask and as much as we can," he concluded. (Tanjug) Tanjug

Croatia and Serbia "willing to close book on conflict"

Josipović stressed that the fact he was the first Croatian president to speak in the Serbian parliament proved that the two countries had matured politically to the point that they were willing to close the book on their conflict and start an era of friendship.

Both sides are obligated to focus on the present and future of their people, with all due respect to the past, he noted.

"If we differ in our view on historical circumstances, we nevertheless have to stand united in one thing, we have to stand united in condemning every war crime," Josipović stated, adding that it was the only way to guarantee to the future generations that no side would ever again commit war crimes against the other.

The history of modern Europe is a history of forgiveness and strategic generosity, he underscored, adding that the people had elected the present governments to solve problems, not create more.

The two countries cannot continue to waste their energy on immature arguments about leadership and who is more important, bigger or stronger, but they should instead strive towards partnership in development, European values and humaneness, he remarked.

The relations between Serbia and Croatia are important for the entire Southeast Europe, Josipović pointed out, promising assistance to Serbia and other countries of the region on their way towards the EU.

"Croatia will help Serbia and all its neighbors as much as they ask and as much as we can," he concluded.

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