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Zagreb - Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković underscored in his congratulatory note on the occasion of Croatia's Statehood Day that 25 June 1991 will be permanently inscribed in the nation's history as the day when the Croatian Sabor, as the Croatian people's legitimate representative legislature that has preserved Croatian sovereignty for centuries, unanimously adopted two decisions essential for Croatia's present-day sovereignty and independence.
On 25 June, Croatia observes Statehood Day in memory of the parliament's decisions to adopt the Constitutional Decision on the Sovereignty and Independence of Croatia and the declaration proclaiming the country's sovereignty and independence.
The public holiday commemorates 25 June 1991 when the Croatian Parliament adopted a historic resolution initiating the process of disassociation from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia based on the results of a referendum held on 19 May 1991.
Jandroković said in the message, released on Monday that the process of international recognition of Croatia and the country's disassociation from the Yugoslav federation were preceded by the referendum at which the large majority of the Croatian people opted for building their future in "a free, sovereign, independent, democratic and pluralistic Croatia."
He recalled that unfortunately many Croatian people gave their lives for that cause and for the defence of the homeland against the Great Serbia aggression.
"We must always be grateful for the unselfish sacrifices of our soldiers and their families."
"We must never forget that the Homeland War is the foundation of present-day Croatia in which we live, enjoying peace and freedom and whose values are bequeathed to us forever," says Jandroković.
Croatia is celebrating its birthday as a democracy whose values are peace, freedom, pluralism, the rule of law, the respect for human dignity and human rights, equality and inclusion.
It is the permanent duty of all of us to make those values stronger, he said pointing out the role of the parliament and its contribution to creating a positive political climate conducive to the further progress of the Croatian nation and society.
"In a world faced with rapid changes and numerous challenges, the Croatian Parliament and its deputies are supposed to resolutely take responsibility and address many demands and needs of Croatian citizens, primarily through the adoption of legislative frameworks as a guarantee for the implementation of responsible, true, viable and lasting policies for the future development of Croatia."
He also urged for further strengthening the stability of institutions, the safety and security of citizens, economic growth, legal certainty, social sensitivity, justice and solidarity as well as demographic revival, paving the way for enhancing living standards.
We can build our common future only by our joint and concerted action and mutual respect as well as true patriotism and strong self-confidence, he added.
Until 2001 Statehood Day was observed on 30 May to commemorate the inauguration of the first multi-party Croatian Parliament in 1990. Today 30 May is observed as Croatian Parliament Day.
Statehood Day might again be celebrated on 30 May as of next year, as announced by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who said that that date was more popular among citizens.