Dragan Čović: The Hague Tribunal is political, the Joint Criminal Enterprise is unacceptable, Croatia bears no responsibility

MOSTAR, (Patria) - Dragan Čović, President of HDZ BiH and member of the BiH Presidency, addressed the public today from the party's headquarters in Mostar, where, along with the party's leadership and representatives of other parties, he followed the sentencing of Jadranko Prlić, Slobodan Praljak, Berislav Pušić, Valentin Ćorić, Milivoj Petković, and Bruno Stojić, leaders of HRHB, for war crimes. However, after the prison sentences for Prlić, Stojić, and Praljak were confirmed, the sentencing was interrupted. Slobodan Praljak drank a liquid from a vial which he claimed was poison. According to information, Praljak died in the hospital.

Čović stated that he expects representatives of the Croatian people to remain calm and dignified in light of such an act.

- There is no reason to panic or fall for any provocations that will come from various centers, both within and outside of BiH. Do not succumb to any temptation of fear.

He even stated that "the sustainability of BiH depends on the least numerous people."

Čović stated that the destruction of the Old Bridge was not a criminal act, but a legal military action.

- We all expected yesterday to welcome these men as free men. We are aware that this is a political court. The joint criminal enterprise is absolutely unacceptable to us. This is a crime against all Croatian officers, and indeed against the Croatian people of BiH.

Speaking about relations with Croatia, Čović stated that they will be in the sense of strengthening "our mutual cooperation, and Croatia has been helping BiH to become independent all these years."

- As far as I am concerned, Croatia will bear no responsibility, but we will have to strengthen communication. Every stance of BiH also incorporates the stance of the Croatian people.

Speaking about Slobodan Praljak's actions in the courtroom, Čović stated that "in that way, he showed what a sacrifice he was willing to make to show the whole world that he is not a war criminal."

He declined to comment on the information about Praljak's death until official confirmation.