Zoran Milanovic holds press conference in the aftermath of the attacks in Paris.
“The attack in Paris is a blow to fundamental values, because human life is a global and universal value”, said Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović today at a press conference, commenting on last night’s terrorist attacks in Paris. He said that the government had no information about any Croatians killed during the attacks, reports Vecernji List on November 14, 2015. He expressed his sorrow, grief and solidarity with France. “Closing borders and wires will not save us from these things. As far as Croatia is concerned, we are at the highest possible level of preparedness and readiness to protect our citizens and ensure their peace and security, their lives, which we have managed to do during this migrant crisis”, Milanović said.
Asked whether he would close the border, he said that the migrant crisis should not be linked with the last night’s attacks, since the previous attack occurred before the crisis began. “I hope that we will not have to deviate from what we have been doing for the last two months, however, we must say that our first task is to protect the stability and peace of Croatian citizens”, Milanović said. He added that the government is in talks with Croatia Airlines about possible flights which would take Croatian citizens out of Paris. “The world we live in is tough and violent, but I believe that Croatia in this whole situation is one of the safer countries”, Milanović added.
“We can protect ourselves”, Milanović said, sending a message to Croatian citizens to be peaceful. “There is no reason to panic, even when you are in the most difficult situation, and this is not the most difficult situation for Croatia. We are a small country and we are not as exposed”, Milanović added.
Milanović said that he talked with President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, that all services which are controlled by the Government are on full alert and that he will continue to be in contact with the President. A meeting of the National Council for Coordination of Security Services, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ranko Ostojić, will be held during the day.
During the night, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović sent a message of sympathy on Twitter after the terrorist attacks in Paris. “I am shocked by terrible attacks in Paris and deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives. Croatia stands by the people of France”, the president wrote.
