Deputy PMs say Victory Day and Operation Storm are above politics

The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces has been drawn into the conflict between the Croatian President and Prime Minister, who have been vying for control over the country’s diplomacy and military.

Following a recent announcement from Prime Minister Andrej Plenković that the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, no longer enjoyed his trust after General Kundid opted against attending a meeting in the Government Building to discuss the possibility of sending Croatian soldiers to Paris to participate in a traditional military parade on the occasion of Bastille Day celebrations, reporters asked Defense Minister Ivan Anušić to comment on the preparations for Victory Day celebrations on August 5th, given the latest developments: “Everything that falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces for these commemorations will be carried out. The details of the organization and the ceremonial program for the Victory Day celebrations are still being coordinated by the relevant authorities. I do not expect any problems.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Davor Božinović was also asked to comment on the situation, but emphasized that Operation Storm is above politics: “The Croatian Armed Forces, alongside the Croatian police, remain a top priority within the country's national security system - and that will continue to be the case. Historic milestones such as Operation Storm and the commemoration of these and similar events should remain above politics.”

Source: HRT