PHOTO:We Will Be Grateful for Your Support in War

In his speech to the citizens, Bush said that one day he will be grateful to Croatia for the support in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

ZAGREB, CROATIA – Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and American President George Bush, spoke to the citizens gathered in St. Mark's Square. Sanader welcomed George Bush and stressed that the invitation to NATO was important to Bush for the negotiations between Croatia and the EU. 

- Croatia is back where it belongs, Croatia returns home. The world is still not a safe place. We could see that after 9/11, Croatia now has the duty to prevent catastrophes. Every effort to oppose terrorism is the only warrant for success – said Sanader.

Sanader: Serbia has the right to join NATO too 

The Prime Minister said that the cold war ended a long time ago and that now an new time has come, the time for dialogue.

- We care in a particular way about the transatlantic relations, peace and good neighbouring relations, this is why we need to invest in freedom. Democratic Croatia is now on the threshold of success. We support neighbours and I am glad that the presidents of Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro are with us – Sanader said.

He saluted all countries of the regions and he hopes for their imminent entrance in NATO.

- Macedonia has our support to join us soon in NATO. Montenegro has the right to build their dreams in the Euro-Atlantic home. Albania has the right to an independent and peaceful like – Sanader said, and added that also Serbia has the right to invest efforts in the Euro-Atlantic integration.

Bush: miles far from each other, united by the faith in God

Then Sanader gave the word to the American President, who saluted the citizens in Croatian language.

- Dobro jutro! (Good morning!) – he said.

He expressed his satisfaction with the fact that Croatia and Albania were invited to join NATO and that he hopes that also Macedonia will soon receive this honour.

- Our countries are separated by one thousand miles, but we are united in the faith in God and the blessing of freedom which He gave us. Today, on the edge of the Adriatic, we stand like one free people.

Bush said that Croatia today is a completely different country than the one it was ten years ago. He stressed that now Croatia is now one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

- Americans are impressed by your courage and perseverance, and we are looking forward to welcoming you as a member of NATO. This is a sign that you will continue with the reforms which you successfully started to make. From this moment, if any danger every threatens Croatia, American will stand next to you, and no one will ever take your freedom away – said Bush.

Bush: We will be grateful to you for your commitment in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

He stressed his sadness due to the fact that Macedonia did not receive the letter of call from NATO, but he also said that they eventually will as soon as the issue over the name of Macedonia is solved.

- Europe is complete, Europe is in peace, Europe is free. You know that radical ideologies can bring death and destruction. A cloud of danger and terrorism was seen above the whole world. Many people, also in your region, and you also, are helping in the battles in Iraq and Afghanistan, they refuse terrorism. However, the question is the time when freedom will enroot. And when this will happen, your people will stand next to them when they need you, and we will be grateful – said Bush.

- In this moment, you have a vital role. Many people do not know why it takes so long to build democracy. Freedom is the only true way to the prosperity of peace. But some ask themselves whether there is a purpose to pain, suffering and death. You can say that freedom is worth fighting – said Bush, and raised a loud applause in St. Mark's Square.

- God bless Croatia – with these words, Bush ended his speech and at the notes of Croatian traditional music, he greeted the citizens.

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