ADDRESS BY

H.E. DR. IVO SANADER

PRIME MINISTER

OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

ON THE OCCASION OF RECEIVING A DOCTOR OF LAWS HONORIS CAUSA

AT PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY

September 20, 2004

Distinguished Mr. President, Dr. Gallagher,

Respected professors and students of Philadelphia University,

Dear Friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen

    This recognition, which you have so kindly conferred on me, I accept with great pride, because you recognize, not only me and my country but also the policy with which my Government and I are leading Croatia. This policy has its basis in the noble values of freedom and democracy, those same values, which have quite rightly made the United States the strongest and leading nation in expanding the zone of freedom throughout the world.

    Your beautiful and glorious city – the city of "brotherly love," is the home and keeper of the Liberty Bell. The Founding Fathers of America have forever affected the manner in which your society developed. Their valuable efforts were used in preserving the foundations of democracy, which have been demonstrated to be both practical and achievable, and at the same time consistent with the high ideals of freedom. Modern Croatian society shares this same devotion and commitment to democracy and freedom and rejects all forms of radicalism and extremism.

    A decade following the creation of the modern Croatian state, the whole world has witnessed the maturity, stability and strength of democracy in Croatia. I wish to sincerely extend my gratitude to the United States for the assistance provided to my country when it was most needed – during our struggle for independence, whose success was based on the very values of freedom and democracy.

    Today, Croatia is on the threshold of entering the European Union and is closely cooperating with the United States in achieving membership in NATO. We take seriously the fundamental values, such as the rule of law, and respect for human rights and dignity.  Our citizens do not take these freedoms for granted and they are ready to assume the responsibilities that come with liberty.

    My government, for its part, must be prudent as we lead Croatia through this period of rapid change. This is imperative if we are to overcome the difficulties involved in the transition from socialism to a market economy and democracy. This process takes time and requires patience, but one must have a clear idea about the final destination.

In his speech at the Federal Convention for the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, Benjamin Franklin said the following: "Much of the strength and efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing happiness to the people depends, on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as well as the wisdom and integrity of its Governors." I can tell you that I understand the importance of maintaining the trust of the Croatian people, which has been given to me and my Government.

    Standing before you today, I can’t but help to think about what Franklin must have been thinking when as America’s representative in Paris he received the news that the United States had been recognized as an independent state. I am pleased and honored to be able to share with you that one of the first Ambassadors who came to inform Franklin of the news of this recognition was from the Republic of Dubrovnik. The beautiful Croatian city of Dubrovnik was at that time a city-state on the Adriatic coast with an acute awareness of the values of freedom and independence.

    The citizens of the then Dubrovnik Republic cherished the same ideals and values as in the United States. Franklin’s mission was by no means an easy one. He needed to explain to the European monarchies the meaning of republicanism in the United States, while at the same time seeking international recognition. During the Croatian war of independence, our Homeland war, the United States was also able to recognize Croatia’s desire for freedom, democracy and independence.

    These ties, like our mutual commitment to democracy and freedom, are the basis of Croatia-U.S. friendship and overall relations between our two countries. Having won a war that was imposed on us, Croatia knows how to value peace, and this is why we wish to contribute to the system of collective security, the undividable transatlantic community. The United States will always have a reliable partner in Croatia. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Philadelphia University has a special place in the American education system. Your history, which dates back to 1884, began with the goal of trying to improve the competitiveness of the United State’s textile industry on the world market. In the years that followed, Philadelphia University developed into an institution that has given its students the opportunity to successfully take on the many challenges of the modern and ever changing global market. In one word, you have found the ideal combination of education and flexibility.

    Allow me to quote Franklin once again, who said: "genius without education is like silver in the mine." This University has been educating students for over a hundred years and they are combining their studies with work experience. This combined education leads them to the work place, where they can test, improve and adapt their knowledge. Philadelphia University develops strong work ethics with its students.

    Croatia is presently at the crossroads of a comprehensive reform of its schooling and educational system. Your experience and success in this respect provides an incentive for us. By further reforming and strengthening the educational system, we intend to make Croatia as competitive as possible and enable our citizens to be successful in the global environment. We have included American Croats in this effort, which means also those from Philadelphia.

    It is with pleasure that I can say that the Croatian Academic and Business Association has recently established a branch office, which brings together Croats who have attained their academic standing in Philadelphia and especially at Philadelphia University. With your permission, I would like to encourage stronger cooperation between Philadelphia University and universities in Croatia.

    A few years ago we sent some students from Croatia to your University. They were successful in their academic achievements, as well as sports. A Croatian student studying at Philadelphia University is here with us today and he has received the highest academic and sporting honors.

    Today you have conferred on me as Croatia’s Prime Minister, and as someone who has based his entire creative life on the values of humanistic education and science, your highest academic honor.

    I am especially honored to receive this recognition from you Dr. Gallagher, as you are a highly esteemed educator, humanist and promoter of essential values that we share, and which are the motto of the “keystone state” of Pennsylvania: VIRTUE, LIBERTY, INDEPENDENCE. Your role in guiding Philadelphia University in becoming one of the very prestigious and prosperous institutions is recognized not only in your beautiful native city of Philadelphia, but also across the United States and throughout the world.

    I thank you Mr. President, and I also thank the Board of Trustees of Philadelphia University for this honor, for this symbol of understanding and faith, both in me and in the Croatian people. Let today’s event bear witness to the enduring Croatian-American friendship.

Thank you, Mr. President.