Milanović for a ceremonial military parade in Zagreb

President Zoran Milanović has proposed that the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm be marked with a ceremonial military parade of the Armed Forces on August 5 in Zagreb. He emphasizes that this is an opportunity for a magnificent celebration of one of the greatest victories in the Homeland War.

This year, the Republic of Croatia will mark the 30th anniversary of the Military-Police Operation Storm, which liberated the largest part of the previously occupied territory in August 1995. On this occasion, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović has proposed organizing a ceremonial military parade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia in Zagreb on Victory and Homeland Gratitude Day and Croatian Defenders' Day, August 5.

“As the President of the Republic and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, I believe that we are obliged to mark this great anniversary in a unique, magnificent and victorious way – with a ceremonial parade of the Croatian Army in the capital,” said Milanović.

Duty to the Defenders and a Symbol of Unity

The President emphasized that this anniversary is a special opportunity to pay tribute to all Croatian defenders who participated in the defense and liberation of the country and that Victory Day is most strongly associated with the victory and glory of the Croatian Army.

“I believe that every Croatian person would be proud to see all the strength and equipment of the modern Croatian Army. This is an opportunity for the army to show its readiness and ability to defend the borders and the security of our citizens,” said Milanović.

He emphasized that “Storm” is not only a historical event, but also a symbol of unity of all parts of Croatia because people from all parts of the homeland participated in that victory.

Call for preparations and cooperation

President Milanović proposed that the organization of the parade be discussed at a session of the Defense Council, which he initiated together with the Prime Minister.

“Considering the importance of the military parade, all military, organizational and financial aspects should be considered in order to start preparations on time and ensure all the prerequisites for its holding,” Milanović concluded.

A ceremonial military parade, according to him, would be a symbol of preserving the memory of the glorious victory in the Homeland War, but also a guarantee of the unity of the Croatian people in the future.

Jelić disagrees with Milanović

Reactions are coming in to Milanović's statement.

The Šibenik-Knin County Prefect disagrees with the proposal. He believes that the military parade in Zagreb can be marked on another date.

Speaking for Croatian Television, the Šibenik-Knin County Prefect, said that he believes the ceremonial military parade can be held on another date in Zagreb and he disagrees with President Milanović's proposal.

“It is clear that neither the people of Knin in Šibenik-Knin County, nor the majority of Croatian citizens, consider this the best solution. I think it is good to show our military strength. This should be done either on 28 or 30 May, when it is our Statehood Day and this year is a jubilee year, so we can celebrate it all year round,” said Marko Jelić, the Šibenik-Knin County Prefect.

A comment was also received from Minister Medved.

“We will arrange it. This is the 35th year of Croatian statehood, the 30th anniversary of operations Flash and Storm. We will certainly celebrate it with dignity,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Croatian Veterans Tomo Medved.

Source: HRT