Božinović Comments on Case of Croatian National Taken Prisoner in Ukraine
ZAGREB, 8 May 2022 - It is difficult to say at this point when we could expect progress on the case of the Croatian national who has been taken prisoner by Russian forces in Ukraine, Interior Minister Davor Božinović said on Sunday.
"Croatia is doing and will continue to do all it can. The situation is difficult in that he was arrested by Russian forces. We have sought information through our diplomatic service and will continue following this case, seeking answers to the questions, first of all those asked by his family. That is our obligation under the constitution and law," Božinović told the press in Zagreb.
The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs said on Saturday that a Croatian national had been taken prisoner in Ukraine and that it was dealing with the case in cooperation with Ukrainian authorities. Russian media said that "a Croatian mercenary" had been captured in Mariupol.
"Considering the circumstances, at this point I cannot predict when we could expect any progress," Božinović said.
He said that any Croatian nationals who may be fighting in that war are doing that at their own risk and that the Croatian government is not involved in it in any way.
Commenting on today's visit to Ukraine by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, Božinović said: "I think this visit is a strong gesture of statesmanship and a sign of support to Ukraine that has been going on since the first day of the Russian aggression."
The visit came nearly two and a half months after Russia launch a military invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.
"I don't think this visit by the Croatian prime minister differs in any way from visits made by several prime ministers a while ago, by the UN secretary general, the US secretaries of state and defence, and the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission," Božinović said, adding that the visit was organised in the same way as other such visits given the security situation in Ukraine.
He recalled that Croatia had sent various types of aid to Ukraine and pledged to send €5 million in aid at a donors' conference in Warsaw on Thursday, and that more than 17,000 Ukrainians have found refuge in Croatia.
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Air Transat Resumes Flight Service Between Zagreb and Toronto
ZAGREB, 8 May 2022 - Canadian airline Air Transat has resumed a regular flight service between Toronto and Zagreb after a two-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Zagreb's Franjo Tuđman Airport said on Sunday.
It is the first overseas flight to Zagreb this year. Air Transat will operate the route Toronto-Zagreb-Toronto once a week.
Canada's Ambassador in Croatia, Alan Bowman, said he was very pleased with the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, expressing hope that this would increase the number of tourists to both countries and open the door to new business opportunities.
Huseyin Bahadir Bedir, chairman of the Zagreb airport management board, said that the return of Air Transat and the resumption of flights between Toronto and Zagreb was yet another step towards the recovery of traffic at Zagreb.
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ATP Challenger Zagreb Open Brings Tennis Back to Capital
May 8, 2022 - The upcoming edition of the ATP Challenger Zagreb Open is held from May 8 to 14 on the grounds of TC Maksimir.
The ATP Challenger Zagreb Open is the only and largest men's international professional tennis tournament held in the city of Zagreb, and 64 tennis players from more than 40 countries will compete for a prize fund of $52,080. Croatian tennis players will also take part in the tournament, including Borna Gojo, Nino Serdarušić, Mili Poljičak, and Dino Prižmić.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome the new edition of the ATP Challenger Zagreb Open. From the sound names, we can single out the best Bosnian tennis player Damir Džumhur. In addition, we are extremely pleased with the large number of Croatian players who will play in the tournament," said the tournament director Goran Belošević. This year's tournament is back in full glory, and not only will it be open to spectators, but admission to tennis matches will be completely free.
"This tournament is a great opportunity for the development of us players, and I hope to play my best tennis. Furthermore, this is a great opportunity to win new points. I hope for a good week because participating in the Zagreb Open means a lot to us tennis players, and I am looking forward to the start of the tournament," said Borna Gojo. The ATP Challenger Zagreb Open is part of the Croatian Tennis Pro Tournaments series. This series is part of the initiative of the Croatian Tennis Federation, which seeks to enable Croatia's young tennis players to collect points and experience on home courts, all before the start of Roland Garros.
“The Croatian Tennis Federation has launched a series of Croatian Tennis Pro Tournaments, which is how we tried to bring as many professional tournaments as possible to Croatia. The ATP Challenger Zagreb Open is a great springboard for our young players who have the opportunity to play in a tournament like this at home. We are thrilled that we can help young players who are just climbing the ladder, and it is a great advantage because they will play in front of the home crowd," said the Executive Director of the Croatian Tennis Federation, Vladimir Jovanoski.
"Congratulations to the organizer, and thank you very much for the opportunity to enjoy top tennis. I invite all sports and tennis fans to come to TC Maksimir, and I wish our players a lot of success in the tournament," said the assistant head of the City Office for Education, Sports, and Youth, Milan Pavelic.
The Zagreb Ladies Open was held the week before, and the return of the men's ATP Challenger will confirm Zagreb's place on the world tennis map this spring. The tournament is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Croatian Tennis Federation, and the City of Zagreb, which are partners in this tournament.
Source: HTS
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Three Croatian Beaches Named in The Guardian's 40 Best in Europe
May 8, 2022 - Three Croatian beaches have been named among the 40 best in Europe, though they aren't the beaches you might think.
From pink to wild shores and everything in between, travel writers from The Guardian chose the 40 most beautiful European beaches, and among them are three from Croatia! However, the selected beaches were not so predictable this time, with Saharun on Dugi Otok, Lubenice on Cres, or Pasjača in Konavle nowhere to be seen, reports T.portal.
Namely among the 40 most beautiful beaches in Europe are Krivica on Lošinj, Divna on Pelješac, and Mlini on the Pakleni Islands near Hvar.
"Maybe it’s the fact that you have to hike down a rocky path for 30 minutes – and back up again – that makes Krivica’s pebbly beach so special. The reward is clear, deep turquoise water in a sheltered pine-fringed bay, with only sailing boats in the narrow channel for company. Lošinj, a long, misshapen island in the Kvarner gulf, is one of Croatia’s most fragrant places, with an incredible profusion of wild herbs," writes The Guardian begins about Krivica on Lošinj.
Divna, on the other hand, lives up to its name.
"Living up to its name – beautiful beach – Plaža Divna is on the north coast of the Pelješac peninsula, with pine-covered hills flanking the little pebbly bay. There are a few shady spots, and the marine life between the beach and the tiny island facing the bay makes for brilliant snorkelling. A cafe sells drinks and basic food, and behind the beach is the small Camp Divna campsite set in an olive grove," The Guardian adds.
And those visiting Hvar should not miss Mlini on the Pakleni island of Marinkovac.
"There’s a wonderfully laid-back air to this pine-scented pebbly beach, along with sunloungers for rent and a beachfront restaurant. As with all Croatia’s pebbly beaches, protective swimming shoes will make things more enjoyable, and the amazingly clear blue-green water has people snorkelling for hours."
You can find the full list of The Guardian's 40 most beautiful beaches in Europe HERE.
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World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day Marked
ZAGREB, 8 May 2022 - The Croatian Red Cross is marking World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day actively, by helping to remedy the consequences of the devastating earthquakes in the Banovina region and assisting Ukrainian refugees.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, observed on 8 May, marks the beginning of Red Cross Week, when various activities are undertaken to acquaint the citizens with the operation of the Croatian Red Cross and its 131 local organisations.
"The past years and months have witnessed many crises that spared no one and hit the most vulnerable groups the worst - from the COVID pandemic to climate change to humanitarian emergencies to earthquakes and the escalation of conflicts," said Robert Markt, Executive President of the Croatian Red Cross.
He said that hundreds of volunteers were assisting Ukrainian refugees on a daily basis as well helping earthquake victims in the Banovina region.
The provision of care for Ukrainian refugees is currently the biggest and most challenging operation of the Croatian Red Cross, involving 100 of its local organisations across the country.
"Nearly 10,000 Ukrainians are currently registered in the Red Cross system and most of them have applied for our assistance. These are mainly women and children, and in addition to food, hygiene products, clothing and footwear, they often also need psychosocial support," Markt said.
The Red Cross is opening a Centre for Intergenerational Support in Petrinja on Sunday, consisting of specially equipped containers where various activities will be organised as part of psychosocial support for earthquake victims, in particular children and the elderly. It will be the first such centre in Croatia.
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Croatia Logs 406 New Coronavirus Cases, 7 Deaths
ZAGREB, 8 May 2022 - Croatia has recorded 406 new coronavirus cases and 7 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours, the national coronavirus response team reported on Sunday.
The number of active cases in the country now stands at 5,017, of whom 379 infected persons are being treated in hospital, including 16 placed on ventilators, while 2,763 persons are self-isolating.
Since 25 February 2020, when the first case was confirmed in Croatia, 1,127,742 people have been registered as having contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus, of whom 15,888 have died and 1,106,837 have recovered, including 812 in the last 24 hours.
A total of 4,813,913 COVID-19 tests have been done to date, including 3,097 in the last 24 hours.
By Saturday, 5,246,631 vaccine doses had been administered, with 59.50% of the total population, or 70.77% of adults, having been vaccinated. A total of 2,313,643 people had received at least one dose and 2,242,454 of them had been fully vaccinated, which is 68.70% of the adult population.
Mayor Wants Collective Conscientious Objection at Sveti Duh Hospital to be Dealt With
ZAGREB, 8 May 2022 - Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević said on Sunday it was unacceptable that all doctors and nurses at the Gynaecology Department of the Sveti Duh Hospital were conscientious objectors and that he expected the hospital's new management to deal with this.
"It is unacceptable to me that absolutely all the doctors and nurses in Gynaecology have conscientious objection and I expect this to be dealt with," Tomašević told reporters ahead of a ceremony marking the Day of Victory over Fascism and the Day of Liberation of Zagreb.
Asked if he agreed with the claim that in the circumstances of collective conscientious objection pregnancy terminations were carried out in private institutions, the mayor said that this problem could be dealt with in different ways.
"But I also want that all legally permitted pregnancy terminations can be performed in Zagreb's largest city-owned healthcare institution and that is Sveti Duh," Tomašević said.
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Komšić to Seek Another Term on Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
ZAGREB, 8 May 2022 - The Croat member of Bosnia and Herzegovina's tripartite state presidency, Željko Komšić, has confirmed he will seek another term in office at the general election set for 2 October.
"Yes, I will. I must continue, I cannot stop now," Komšić said in a programme of the commercial Face TV channel on Saturday when asked by the programme's host whether he would run for office again.
He said he would be the candidate of his party, the Democratic Front, and that he did not know if any large party would support him. "They all have their own policies and they must have candidates for this most important office."
Komšić said his candidacy was motivated by his struggle for a political concept in which people in Bosnia and Herzegovina would be recognised as individuals.
Komšić has been elected as the Croat representative three times. The country's election law allows two consecutive terms on the presidency, so he is entitled to seek another term.
His election angered the parties gathered within the Croatian National Assembly claiming that he was elected by Bosniaks and not Croats whose interests he was supposed to represent. That's why they insist that the present election law be amended to ensure legitimate representation.
Under the election law, the presidency consists of one Croat and one Bosniak from the Croat-Bosniak Federation entity and one Serb from the Republika Srpska entity.
The European Court of Human Rights has found in five of its rulings that this provision is discriminatory because it limits suffrage to ethnic affiliation and place of residence while preventing members of ethnic minorities and other groups from running for the presidency.
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Bonfires Lit by River Sava in Zagreb to Commemorate WWII Liberation
ZAGREB, 8 May 2022 - The Network of Antifascist Women and the Alliance of Antifascist Fighters and Antifascists lit bonfires on the bank of the River Sava in Zagreb on Saturday evening in tribute to the Partisan units that liberated the Croatian capital on 8 May 1945.
The event was attended by Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, who said that it was the seventh year now that the liberation of Zagreb from Ustasha and fascist occupation had been commemorated by building bonfires by the Sava.
"During the Second World War and the difficult times of occupation, Zagreb was never subdued. Numerous residents of the city, together with Partisans from throughout Croatia, joined the National Liberation Movement and the Women's Antifascist Front, engaging in subversive operations against the occupying army and quislings. They were also hiding people who faced deportation to certain death, and put up resistance," the mayor said.
He said he was paying tribute to the 30,000 residents of Zagreb who had sacrificed their lives or had been the victims of the Ustasha and fascist terror.
"The units that liberated Zagreb did so on the wings of social justice, faith in equality and internationalism, which are the values that we should promote today," Tomašević said, adding that society should be built on class and gender equality.
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Andrej Plenkovic Visits Ukraine, Visits Kyiv, Meets with Zelensky
May the 8th, 2022 - Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic visits Ukraine as the war rages on following Russian invasion which began back in February this year. He has paid a visit to the capital, Kyiv, and will have further meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, Andrej Plenkovic arrived in the City of Kyiv on Sunday morning as part of his visit to Ukraine, where he will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denis Smihal and Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Banski dvori announced.
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman is also in Kyiv as Plenkovic visits Ukraine.
"Croatia knows what it's like to be under military aggression and continues to provide political, diplomatic, financial, humanitarian, technical and any other possible support to Ukraine, as well as assistance in taking care of Ukrainian refugees," the government said in a statement.
During the meetings, the Ukrainian state leadership will inform Plenkovic about the consequences of the destruction caused by the Russian attacks on Ukraine, and they will also discuss further assistance and the continuation of Ukraine's European Union (EU) path.
The Croatian Ambassador to Ukraine has also returned to Kyiv
Plenkovic's visit to Ukraine is taking place on the eve of Europe Day and is an expression of solidarity and support for the Ukrainian authorities and the brave Ukrainian people, who are victims of brutal and horrendous Russian aggression.
Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Prime Minister paid an official visit to Ukraine in December 2021, and also attended a meeting of the Crimean Platform summit with EU leaders back in August 2021.
Plenkovic and Minister Grlic Radman were welcomed by Ambassador Anica Djamic, who herself returned to Kyiv, where she will remain and continue to work at the helm of the Croatian Embassy in Ukraine.
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