Anušić reveals what he regrets
Defense Minister speaks about emotions, top military relations, and a message to Vučić over Montenegro ahead of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm.
Defense Minister speaks about emotions, top military relations, and a message to Vučić over Montenegro ahead of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm.
Defense Minister Ivan Anušić arrived in Knin ahead of tomorrow's commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm. In an interview with RTL Danas, he revealed that the key operation caught him on the other side of Croatia and that he regrets not having personally participated in it.
Anušić described where he was while Operation Storm was underway. "I was in eastern Slavonia. Our units were waiting for the operation that was supposed to be called Thunder and the liberation of eastern Slavonia," the minister said. When asked directly if he regrets not being part of Operation Storm, he answered affirmatively.
"Of course I regret it. Both as a soldier and as someone who was there the whole time since 1991. When we talk about Slavonia, of course, the territory you lost in the war, in battles and fights, should be returned in the same way," Anušić said.
However, he added that a different solution ultimately prevailed for the eastern part of the country. "We didn't return it that way, but through peaceful reintegration, which ultimately proved to be a better solution because there would have been many casualties on our side. But we would certainly have accomplished that task as well," he explained.
The minister also described the strong feelings evoked by the central ceremony. "Of course, it's an emotional moment because we remember those who were with us and who are no longer here to experience the time of freedom," Anušić emphasized. He said that today's generations live the dream for which many gave their lives. "We must respect, appreciate, and value that," he added.
Tomorrow's commemoration will feature 300 members of the Croatian Army. Anušić confirmed that for the third consecutive year, the sky above Knin will be crossed by multi-role fighter jets Rafale. "We will see a flyover of three Rafales during the minute of silence. One Rafale will return and demonstrate all the capabilities our pilots can currently perform," he announced.
The program also includes demonstration exercises by special forces in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and parachute jumps. "We are especially focused on the youngest, children and schoolchildren, to show what the profession of a Croatian soldier offers and how to approach it," the minister emphasized.
Anušić briefly commented on the relations at the top of the armed forces. Commenting on Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's earlier statement that Chief of the General Staff Tihomir Kundid no longer has his and the government's confidence, the minister indicated that the matter is closed. "No, it's not. It's resolved; the situation that existed is over. We stated our positions and we still hold them, as does the Prime Minister. We must continue working," he said.
He emphasized the ongoing processes. "For the first time in 31 years, we are modernizing the Armed Forces, and that is the primary and main interest. Everything else is secondary," Anušić concluded.
He also commented on Montenegro's decision to send its representative to the commemoration in Knin, which drew criticism from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. "Croatia expects Montenegro to do this, and I congratulate them on that decision. They are welcome," Anušić said.
He responded directly to Vučić's objections: "Aleksandar Vučić has the right to reproach Montenegro. He reproaches everything and anything, both us and Montenegro. That's his problem, and let him conduct his policy as he sees fit. We will conduct our policy as we think it should be conducted, and we'll see who ends up where in the end."
