Christmas message from President of Croatia Zoran Milanović
Dear fellow citizens of our homeland
Dear Croatian women and Croatian man all around the World, especially you in Croatian protectorate Bosnia and Herzegovina
I wish everyone Merry Christmas!
In Christian Europe, that Croatia created and defended together with all European nations.
Christmas is rightly considered the most joyful day, because it brings family's together and the joy of gathering in peace and warmth of home.
I wish and sincerely hope from all of my heart, that all Christian people, all Croatian citizens will welcome and celebrate Christmas in peace and joy, with their families, relatives and friends.
The tradition of Christmas is deeply carved in the Croatian people, regardless of where they live. They kept this tradition with them and preserved not only the custom, but also their belonging to a strong ancient nation.
Today, when Croatia is listened less and less, when our voice is taken for granted before we are even asked anything, it is even more important to preserve and strengthen the awareness of our unity. Because recent history has proven that unity can be crucial for the defending of our country and our identity.
In the world order that is changing dramatically in front of our eyes, the concerns of the Croatian people are of little interest to anyone.
Of particular concern is the indifference to the concerns of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose equality and constitutionality - guaranteed by the Dayton Agreement - is denied and even attempted to be abolished.
Croatia will not allow this. The rights of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be defended more strongly and will be advocated more loudly in the places where decisions are made. We didn't do enough, we must do everything in our power.
The Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina have permanently indebted Croatia and it is my wish as President of Croatia, that in the near future they will have reason to look forward to the full realization of their rights.
Christmas is an opportunity to wish our friends and neighbors peace, kindness and unity, as well as everyone in the world who suffers because of wars and violence.
In the hope that these wishes will come true. I wish all Christians a Merry Christmas and peaceful and joyful holidays.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.Message was shortened and translated by me in good faith.
