“From its founders Stjepan Radić and Vladko Maček to the present day, the HSS has consistently recognised Croats outside Croatia as an inseparable part of the national identity. It is therefore both our duty and our honour to stand with our people in the Bay of Kotor and to safeguard their continuity, culture, language, faith and historical identity,” Vuletić said.
The HSS president visited the Bay of Kotor as part of the programme “100 Years of Radić in Konavle”, marking the centenary of Stjepan Radić’s visit to Konavle and a major public gathering held on 13 June 1926 in front of the Monastery of St Blaise in Pridvorje.
The HSS delegation also visited the Croatian Consulate General in Kotor and the Croatian National Council of Montenegro in Donja Lastva near Tivat. Talks focused on the position of the Croat community in Montenegro and the challenges faced by Croats in the Bay of Kotor.
“We welcome the strong and concrete support of the Croatian government for our people in the Bay of Kotor. Only through joint efforts by Croatian institutions, representatives of the Croat community in Montenegro and political organisations that uphold Croatian statehood can we ensure that Croats in the Bay of Kotor remain masters of their own destiny,” Vuletić said.
He also said the HSS was at the disposal for cooperation on projects and activities of interest to Croats in the region.
“Croats in the Bay of Kotor are not only heirs to a rich history, but also an important part of Croatia’s present and future. The Croatian Peasant Party will continue to be a reliable partner in all efforts aimed at preserving Croatian identity, heritage and dignity in the Bay of Kotor,” he added.