Zagreb - The creation of the present-day, independent, modern and democratic Croatian state began in the Croatian parliament on 30 May 1990, Speaker Josip Leko said on Wednesday at a celebration of Croatian Parliament Day.
The formation of the first multiparty and democratically elected parliament, together with the first multiparty election and independence referendum, was "one of the crucial days which marked a watershed in the long Croatian history," said Leko. Those days still define the Croatian state and society, and Croatian Parliament Day encourages us to aspire to what everyone should aspire, the struggle for the common good, he said at the celebration which brought together political, public and religious figures.
Leko recalled the events after 30 May 1990 and the formation of the first multiparty parliament - the armed rebellion of part of the population aided by the former Yugoslav army, the Serbian military aggression and occupation of parts of Croatian territory and the destruction in their wake. All that not only did not crush the Croatian people's will to live in freedom, but actually made it stronger like never before, said Leko. He recalled that it was the Croatian parliament that enabled the final step into Croatian independence by passing the Constitution in 1990 and the decisions of June and October 1991. The speaker underlined the role played by the Croatian troops in the defence and creation of the state as well as their courage. Today, parliament is directed towards upgrading and organising the state so as to achieve the highest democratic standards and economic development, he said.
The upcoming membership of the European Union faces parliament with new political challenges. Croatia wants to be a credible member and wants to continue developing the legal and economic system after accession so as to achieve progress and improving living standards, said Leko. (Hina)