President advocates for Palestinian statehood but doubts effectiveness

"We live in difficult times, and the way the world handles problems is leading to further antagonism and possibly war," said President Zoran Milanović in New York City while on an official visit to the United States.

"The times we live in today are unprecedented, depressing, and troubling. People in leadership positions, especially in Europe, are doing a very poor job and are generally not up to the task. Some issues are unsolvable, and the way they are being addressed is only leading to more antagonism and possibly war," warned President Zoran Milanović in reference to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

He said it was a war between the United States and Russia, and that only they could end it.

In this way, Milanović said Croatia must focus on itself and their our interests, while ensuring that the country does not get overextended in NATO and the European Union.

"Croatia must remain loyal to the alliances it belongs to and respect the obligations it has undertaken, but it must never allow itself to be dragged into schemes or adventures it did not shape, because that is not solidarity. No one can demand that from us, and as far as I am concerned, they will not get it," he said.

Addressing the war in Gaza, President Milanović said: "We can advocate for the recognition of Palestine. Some say it will not make much difference. And it won't - but certain issues need to be resolved in order to move forward. The world will never be perfect or free of crises, flaws, and shortcomings, and we must learn to adapt," concluded the Croatian President.

President Milanović is scheduled to deliver a speech at the 80th UN General Assembly on Wednesday.