Posted by stjepankljujic on October 6, 2003, 1:23 pm
I have a purely theoretical question. Since Croatia declared independence, the stated goal of both the HDZ government as well as the current one has been for Croatia to join the European Union. Additionally, while support for joining the EU has cooled slightly, the majority sentiment is still very positively tilted toward joining. For the sake of argument, lets set aside discussions about the pros and cons of joining the EU. We know that the Croatian constitution requires full cooperation with the Hague tribunal, just like any international treaty or agreement that it signs. So, if we look purely from the context of responsibility and accountability to the Croatian people and if the EU cites Gotovinas fugitive status as one of the main obstacles to Croatia joining the EU, does he have a responsibility to do whats best for Croatia? In that framework, does Gotovina hiding from the court actually turn him from a hero into a traitor? Is it the duty of someone who places himself in the service of his country to follow orders and do whats best for the country, putting aside any personal apprehensions or fears? Does he have a duty to march into this battle or can he hide from it? I fully recognize his service and sacrifice for his country during the war
my question refers to the current battle. If emotion is eliminated from the equation
is he a hero or a traitor? The question ultimately becomes where do we place the greatest value
the past or the future
service and sacrifice or economic expansion
the welfare of the nation or the welfare of one man?
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