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Croatian Community Rejects PM in Australia – “I am Not Tito’s Puppet”
Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović has begun his official visit to Australia and New Zealand by having to answer questions as to why he was not welcome at any Croatian Community Clubs in Australia…
Speaking in Sydney on Monday to SBS World News, Milanović was asked about the reception from the Croatian Community clubs in Australia, who all closed their doors to the Prime Minister and openly stated that Milanović was not welcome on their premises.
“I am not surprised at all, but it is my duty, its statesmen like, it something I have to do. It would be easier to do the home business in Croatia, because this (visit) has been controversial even at home with critics asking why during a crisis I am going so far away,” said the PM, before explaining why he may be so disliked by the Croatian diaspora down under.
“Some people here are labeling me as a Tito’s puppet, which couldn’t be more ridiculous. I never served in the communist police, which many of my political opponents did. I was never a member of the communist party,” Milanović said, who added that was not embarrassed that he was not able to visit the Croatian clubs in Australia.
“I am not here for your money, you worked hard for it, we don’t need your money. I am not here for your votes either,” said Milanović.
Milanović will also visit Canberra and Melbourne in Australia, before going to Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand. It is the first time a Croatian Prime Minister has visited both of those nations, where more than 300,000 people with Croatian ancestry reside.
Speaking in Sydney on Monday to SBS World News, Milanović was asked about the reception from the Croatian Community clubs in Australia, who all closed their doors to the Prime Minister and openly stated that Milanović was not welcome on their premises.
“I am not surprised at all, but it is my duty, its statesmen like, it something I have to do. It would be easier to do the home business in Croatia, because this (visit) has been controversial even at home with critics asking why during a crisis I am going so far away,” said the PM, before explaining why he may be so disliked by the Croatian diaspora down under.
“Some people here are labeling me as a Tito’s puppet, which couldn’t be more ridiculous. I never served in the communist police, which many of my political opponents did. I was never a member of the communist party,” Milanović said, who added that was not embarrassed that he was not able to visit the Croatian clubs in Australia.
“I am not here for your money, you worked hard for it, we don’t need your money. I am not here for your votes either,” said Milanović.
Milanović will also visit Canberra and Melbourne in Australia, before going to Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand. It is the first time a Croatian Prime Minister has visited both of those nations, where more than 300,000 people with Croatian ancestry reside.
Eva March 11, 2014 at 1:29 am
Mr. Zoran Milanović
Prime Minister of Croatia
MANY, recently had the privilege of watching your interview on SBS Australian Television. The interviewer questioned you regarding the communist regime of Yugoslav Dictator Josip Broz Tito and the allegation that you glorify and or propagate his cult persona. You denied ever being a member of the communist party or member of the murderous secret police. Under your tenure you have on numerous occasions broken the solemn oath of office and offended the Republic of Croatia and its citizens in the homeland and abroad, as listed below.
1. Plaques, Street Names, City Squares Statues & Monuments dedicated to the cult persona of Yugoslav Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito that reside on the territory of the Republic of Croatia, contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
2. Members of your ruling Socialist Democratic party publicly endorsing and propagating the cult persona of Yugoslav Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito such as the appearance of Ivo Josipovic under his portrait contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
3. Your hostile defence of Yugoslav Secret Service agents, such as Josip Perkovic, Zdravko Mustac and others which committed and or are complicit and or have knowledge of brutal murders of Croatian Patriots in the diaspora contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
4. Your public statements gloryfying Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
5. Members of your ruling party that wore images of Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito during manifestations of ‘days of balkan love’ near Lake Bundek in Zagreb.
6. Public Television such as HRT which is used to glorify the cult persona of Yugoslav Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito through communist propaganda films contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
7. The inability to purge former and current Yugoslav Communists according to the Western doctrines of Lustration.
8. Your public statements qualifying the Homeland War of Independence as a Yugoslav Civil War, which are unconstitutional according to Croatian law .
9. Stalinist Style politically motivated arbitrary detentions, questioning, harassment and forced incarceration in mental institutions by the police of your political opponents such as but not limited to Mr. Marko Franciskovic and Mr. Miroslav Rimarchuk.
We ask that you immediately and unconditionally address all above and associated concerns without failure or delay.
Frano March 11, 2014 at 9:48 am
Australians interesting people
pobro March 11, 2014 at 3:26 pm
Australians interesting? nice choice of words… you mean Croats from Australia right? anyway congrats to them for not welcoming a “jugo” politician from Croatia .
Zrinjski Mostar..... March 11, 2014 at 7:28 pm
Regardless of his political party, milanovic should not be shunned and locked out by all croatian clubs in australia, whatever happened to political tolerance ?, if u don’t like him that’s your right…but he should also have the right to engage with the wider croatian community….he is the croatian prime minister……..and the last time I looked we are living in 2014, not 1940…….
murphymediji March 12, 2014 at 9:56 am
It’s funny that the Australian community think that, because I know a great many Croatians think their Australian brethren are Pavelić fanboys, evidenced as much by Šimunić’s recent failure to read a history book. It’s pathetic that the entire community blanked their ethnic PM, but I bet they’d be queuing for days if Željka Markić came calling.
Davor March 12, 2014 at 10:37 am
I think they’re still swinging from trees down there. Caught in a time warp. Time to move on and do what’s best for the country now. Chileans seem a smarter country of emigrates to work with.
King Tomislav_Dom March 12, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Only people in a time warp are those prosecuting Joe Simunic for his Za Dom Spremni chant. We are not in the 1940′s anymore and Croatia has existed just 20-odd years when that cry was used when fighting for a free Croatia in the 90′s against agression. After only 20 years as a country Croatia’s sovereignty is slowly being destroyed day by day. Serbian Cyrillic in Vukovar, joining the EU, protecting Udba agents ect. More importantly Milanovic needs to address why Croatian farmers and fruit growers can no longer make a living and agriculture and fishing industries are dying. Croatia used to EXPORT EUR350m worth of fruit – today it IMPORTS close to EUR200m and more than 2B worth of food in total. EU policies, the banks and Milanovic’s weak approach in sticking up for the people who voted him in are largely to blame. Low wages, high taxes, high unemployment, no industry – but him and his cronies have a cushy salary and perks thanks to being the EU and banks puppets. Guy should hang his head in shame. I returned to live in Australia after a few years there and he can thank his policies. Milanovic’s governemt also bought in a tax on foreign pensions, most who came back to retire and moving away because pensions being taxed twice, and as high as 40% there. Clueless and the stats back it up.
Dexter March 12, 2014 at 2:11 pm
EU now in control of Croatia. Funny enough EU led by former communist party leaders. Banks control the EU so you think these local PM’s have a say? Dream on.
pojma_nema March 12, 2014 at 2:26 pm
Well said @KingTomislav – I would even go further and add that selling off all of Croatia’s state-owned assests ie, airport, ports, shipyards, motorways is working against the people. Foreign owners will not hestitate to rip the locals a ‘new one’ and hike prices (which we seen already). Not one Croatian bank owned in the country with billions going off shore annually. All profits from all cash cows soon will leave. Treasonous. Pensioners digging through containers to survive and he jaunts off on trip to the other side of the world – after spending millions on brand new Audi’s the month before. Australians have every right to show their anger.
Davor March 12, 2014 at 6:19 pm
Anger over his policies is fair enough. Have an intelligent debate/ protest about it. Anger that he’s a commie and not able to greet the elected leader of the country is another thing. All just comes across as a bunch of savages to everyone else.
Jure March 12, 2014 at 9:24 pm
Whilst I don’t like the guy, or his party, he is still the PM.
Our people voted him in, being fully aware of his background, beliefs, thoughts and policies.
So let’s say, he is a total disgrace, and what exactly are we hoping to achieve by demonstrating??
I tend to agree with Davor, to the world, we look kind of look ridiculous.
Truthsayer March 14, 2014 at 8:13 am
Unfortunately, when he was voted into office he gave every impression of being a moderate left, urbane and highly educated politican with integrity and extensive education.. Two years in, and that image has crashed and burned so hard that people are revolted, literally being physically ill when they see him on the TV, mainly because his methods are totalitarian, def NOT suited for 2014, and his associates are behaving in such a manner that censorship, cronyism, corruption and ineptitude are staggering and omnipresent in their midst. Besides that, he has managed, despite working a number of years for the Foreign Office (Zrinjevac) in the 1990`s, to cause quite a few international incidents in the last two years, and he damaged our relations with the EU as a whole as well as with Italy, Czech Republic and Germany in the last 9 months alone.. Not to mention that he has disgraced the country he is supposed to represent on numerous occasions, going as far as saying that Croatia is a “slucajna drzava” not a year ago whilst visitng Germany… I am just waiting to wake up one morning and find out that he managed to provoke a war with someone, pref with a nuclear power…
Zrinjski Mostar.... March 13, 2014 at 8:05 am
It’s simple, political tolerance is maturity…..political intolerance is for the fanatics……….maybe if zoran milanovics father served in the SS leiberstandarte he would better himself as a “human being”…….and gain the GOLD pass entry into Australian croatian clubs…………….I disagree with your politics zoran, but that’s ok. i wont nail u to a burning hercegovinian cross , u can come over to my house for kava and cakes….no problemo…..
moreno March 13, 2014 at 8:05 am
Davor and Jure please understand that the ozzie cros did not move here for the weather, most came out of poverty or political persecution or both….so I would reconsider your comments about ‘savages’ because the EU has been orchestrating the recent cro elections with over a million illegally registered voters and the govt has shown little or no favour for the struggling majority.
Mr. Zoran Milanović
Prime Minister of Croatia
MANY, recently had the privilege of watching your interview on SBS Australian Television. The interviewer questioned you regarding the communist regime of Yugoslav Dictator Josip Broz Tito and the allegation that you glorify and or propagate his cult persona. You denied ever being a member of the communist party or member of the murderous secret police. Under your tenure you have on numerous occasions broken the solemn oath of office and offended the Republic of Croatia and its citizens in the homeland and abroad, as listed below.
1. Plaques, Street Names, City Squares Statues & Monuments dedicated to the cult persona of Yugoslav Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito that reside on the territory of the Republic of Croatia, contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
2. Members of your ruling Socialist Democratic party publicly endorsing and propagating the cult persona of Yugoslav Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito such as the appearance of Ivo Josipovic under his portrait contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
3. Your hostile defence of Yugoslav Secret Service agents, such as Josip Perkovic, Zdravko Mustac and others which committed and or are complicit and or have knowledge of brutal murders of Croatian Patriots in the diaspora contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
4. Your public statements gloryfying Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
5. Members of your ruling party that wore images of Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito during manifestations of ‘days of balkan love’ near Lake Bundek in Zagreb.
6. Public Television such as HRT which is used to glorify the cult persona of Yugoslav Communist Dictator Josip Broz Tito through communist propaganda films contrary to European Union resolutions and standards.
7. The inability to purge former and current Yugoslav Communists according to the Western doctrines of Lustration.
8. Your public statements qualifying the Homeland War of Independence as a Yugoslav Civil War, which are unconstitutional according to Croatian law .
9. Stalinist Style politically motivated arbitrary detentions, questioning, harassment and forced incarceration in mental institutions by the police of your political opponents such as but not limited to Mr. Marko Franciskovic and Mr. Miroslav Rimarchuk.
We ask that you immediately and unconditionally address all above and associated concerns without failure or delay.
Frano March 11, 2014 at 9:48 am
Australians interesting people
pobro March 11, 2014 at 3:26 pm
Australians interesting? nice choice of words… you mean Croats from Australia right? anyway congrats to them for not welcoming a “jugo” politician from Croatia .
Zrinjski Mostar..... March 11, 2014 at 7:28 pm
Regardless of his political party, milanovic should not be shunned and locked out by all croatian clubs in australia, whatever happened to political tolerance ?, if u don’t like him that’s your right…but he should also have the right to engage with the wider croatian community….he is the croatian prime minister……..and the last time I looked we are living in 2014, not 1940…….
murphymediji March 12, 2014 at 9:56 am
It’s funny that the Australian community think that, because I know a great many Croatians think their Australian brethren are Pavelić fanboys, evidenced as much by Šimunić’s recent failure to read a history book. It’s pathetic that the entire community blanked their ethnic PM, but I bet they’d be queuing for days if Željka Markić came calling.
Davor March 12, 2014 at 10:37 am
I think they’re still swinging from trees down there. Caught in a time warp. Time to move on and do what’s best for the country now. Chileans seem a smarter country of emigrates to work with.
King Tomislav_Dom March 12, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Only people in a time warp are those prosecuting Joe Simunic for his Za Dom Spremni chant. We are not in the 1940′s anymore and Croatia has existed just 20-odd years when that cry was used when fighting for a free Croatia in the 90′s against agression. After only 20 years as a country Croatia’s sovereignty is slowly being destroyed day by day. Serbian Cyrillic in Vukovar, joining the EU, protecting Udba agents ect. More importantly Milanovic needs to address why Croatian farmers and fruit growers can no longer make a living and agriculture and fishing industries are dying. Croatia used to EXPORT EUR350m worth of fruit – today it IMPORTS close to EUR200m and more than 2B worth of food in total. EU policies, the banks and Milanovic’s weak approach in sticking up for the people who voted him in are largely to blame. Low wages, high taxes, high unemployment, no industry – but him and his cronies have a cushy salary and perks thanks to being the EU and banks puppets. Guy should hang his head in shame. I returned to live in Australia after a few years there and he can thank his policies. Milanovic’s governemt also bought in a tax on foreign pensions, most who came back to retire and moving away because pensions being taxed twice, and as high as 40% there. Clueless and the stats back it up.
Dexter March 12, 2014 at 2:11 pm
EU now in control of Croatia. Funny enough EU led by former communist party leaders. Banks control the EU so you think these local PM’s have a say? Dream on.
pojma_nema March 12, 2014 at 2:26 pm
Well said @KingTomislav – I would even go further and add that selling off all of Croatia’s state-owned assests ie, airport, ports, shipyards, motorways is working against the people. Foreign owners will not hestitate to rip the locals a ‘new one’ and hike prices (which we seen already). Not one Croatian bank owned in the country with billions going off shore annually. All profits from all cash cows soon will leave. Treasonous. Pensioners digging through containers to survive and he jaunts off on trip to the other side of the world – after spending millions on brand new Audi’s the month before. Australians have every right to show their anger.
Davor March 12, 2014 at 6:19 pm
Anger over his policies is fair enough. Have an intelligent debate/ protest about it. Anger that he’s a commie and not able to greet the elected leader of the country is another thing. All just comes across as a bunch of savages to everyone else.
Jure March 12, 2014 at 9:24 pm
Whilst I don’t like the guy, or his party, he is still the PM.
Our people voted him in, being fully aware of his background, beliefs, thoughts and policies.
So let’s say, he is a total disgrace, and what exactly are we hoping to achieve by demonstrating??
I tend to agree with Davor, to the world, we look kind of look ridiculous.
Truthsayer March 14, 2014 at 8:13 am
Unfortunately, when he was voted into office he gave every impression of being a moderate left, urbane and highly educated politican with integrity and extensive education.. Two years in, and that image has crashed and burned so hard that people are revolted, literally being physically ill when they see him on the TV, mainly because his methods are totalitarian, def NOT suited for 2014, and his associates are behaving in such a manner that censorship, cronyism, corruption and ineptitude are staggering and omnipresent in their midst. Besides that, he has managed, despite working a number of years for the Foreign Office (Zrinjevac) in the 1990`s, to cause quite a few international incidents in the last two years, and he damaged our relations with the EU as a whole as well as with Italy, Czech Republic and Germany in the last 9 months alone.. Not to mention that he has disgraced the country he is supposed to represent on numerous occasions, going as far as saying that Croatia is a “slucajna drzava” not a year ago whilst visitng Germany… I am just waiting to wake up one morning and find out that he managed to provoke a war with someone, pref with a nuclear power…
Zrinjski Mostar.... March 13, 2014 at 8:05 am
It’s simple, political tolerance is maturity…..political intolerance is for the fanatics……….maybe if zoran milanovics father served in the SS leiberstandarte he would better himself as a “human being”…….and gain the GOLD pass entry into Australian croatian clubs…………….I disagree with your politics zoran, but that’s ok. i wont nail u to a burning hercegovinian cross , u can come over to my house for kava and cakes….no problemo…..
moreno March 13, 2014 at 8:05 am
Davor and Jure please understand that the ozzie cros did not move here for the weather, most came out of poverty or political persecution or both….so I would reconsider your comments about ‘savages’ because the EU has been orchestrating the recent cro elections with over a million illegally registered voters and the govt has shown little or no favour for the struggling majority.
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