Minister Pusić: Civilian missions pave way for normal life

“From our experience in the ‘90s we know how important the civilian components are for a sustainable peace and normal life,” said First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić

“From our experience in the ‘90s we know how important the civilian components are for a sustainable peace and normal life,” said First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić, opening a round table at the parliament to mark the 10^th anniversary of Croatia’s participation in civilian mission around the world.  

Pusić underlined that Croatia had been taking part in 11 missions without losing a single member. “We see these missions though the prisms of a conflict’s end, but they are also pave the way for the return to a normal life,” Pusić said, adding that these missions were also important because through them we communicated with countries, prevented conflicts and sympathized with societies ravaged by wars.

Recalling the onset of Croatia’s missions in Afghanistan 2005, Pusić stressed that military missions and civilian projects were interconnected parts of the same package. That year we sent our first diplomat to the ISAF. That number has since grown to ten, three of which are now ambassadors, Pusić said.

In her speech, Pusić also highlighted the contribution and the importance of encouraging small donors, outlining Croatia’s projects in Afghanistan, such as teaching and equipping a group of Afghan women to produce carpets, launching a seamstress course for women convicts, as well as building a library, a school, and a midwifery training centre.

She thanked Germany, under whose command served Croatia’s first diplomat in a civilian mission to Afghanistan, as well as the U.S., who are providing assistance and support to civilian missions in the country.

Pusić also expressed support for the UN-led operations, which she said had to be accepted and offer sustainable peace via global consensus.

She said that in the last 25 years Croatia had grown from a war-torn country and aid recipient into a country participating in providing development aid, health services and economic assistance.

Pusić wrapped up her address by thanking the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health, and security services.

Addresses were also delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ranko Ostojić, Deputy Defence Minister Višnja Tafra and Chairman of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Milorad Pupovac.

U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten also underlined Croatia’s transition from an importer of security to its promoter, drawing from its own tragedy to help countries like Afghanistan. By working together, we can preserve the system of peace and security, said the ambassador.

The round table ended by a presentation on Croatia’s participation in the ISAF 2005-2015 and other peacekeeping missions and operations, after which a photo exhibition was opened. 

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