Statement by Minister Grlić Radman on the occasion of the Day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving, the Day of Croatian Defenders, and the 31st anniversary of the military and[...]

August 5, 1995, is permanently inscribed in Croatian history as a day of victory and freedom. During the 84 hours of the military and police operation "Storm," the greater part of the occupied territory of the Republic of Croatia was liberated and restored to its constitutional and legal order.

The freedom and independence we enjoy today are founded on the courage and sacrifice of Croatian defenders. We especially remember the 245 Croatian defenders who gave their lives in Operation Storm, all defenders who were killed, went missing, or have since passed away, as well as everyone whose selfless contribution helped build a free and independent Republic of Croatia. With special reverence, we pay tribute to Croatia's first president, Franjo Tuđman, who led the Croatian people in creating and defending the homeland.

Today, Croatia is a modern, secure, and internationally recognized state, a member of the European Union, NATO, the Schengen Area, and the eurozone. The Government of the Republic of Croatia continues to strengthen the country's international standing and to care for Croatians living outside the homeland.

To everyone in the Republic of Croatia, to the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to Croatian emigrants around the world, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the Day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving, the Day of Croatian Defenders, and the 31st anniversary of the military and police operation "Storm."

Gordan Grlić Radman
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

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