Published: February 28, 2001
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-77.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 77 examines Croatia’s struggle to move forward in the early 2000s, with Valentina Krčmar offering a sharp critique of government inefficiency and lack of professionalism. In her Motrišta column, she reflects on the failed visit of Croatia’s Minister of Economy, Goranko Fižulić, to Canada — using it as a mirror for broader systemic problems in the homeland. The issue also reports on national developments such as the Norac trial, debates on diaspora voting rights, and the ongoing search for moral leadership in Croatia’s postwar years.
Editorial: “The Weight of Responsibility”
Valentina opens this issue with fatigue and concern. She observes that political protests, petitions, and constant public shouting have overtaken real work in Croatia.
“So much is being done — yet the only thing not being done is the work itself.”
She notes that the editorial team receives more stories than it can print, reflecting both the chaos of Croatian politics and the continued engagement of the diaspora. Her tone is weary but hopeful: even as the country struggles, the Croatian spirit abroad remains alive through letters, reactions, and community action.
“When our readers write, we are stronger.”
Motrišta: “Professionalism Missing in Action”
In this sharply written essay, Valentina recounts the visit of Minister Goranko Fižulić and his delegation to Toronto on February 14, 2001, for a business meeting with the Toronto Board of Trade. The goal was to promote investment in Croatia’s technology, telecommunications, and shipbuilding industries.
The result, she reports, was a diplomatic embarrassment.
“It was meant to be perfect — but it was everything except that.”
Fižulić’s poor command of English and lack of preparation became apparent quickly. He mispronounced key terms (“birokracija” as “birokrejšn”), failed to answer crucial economic questions, and even contradicted himself by admitting that Croatian banks invest savings abroad — while asking Canadians to invest in Croatia.
“If we who live here know how to prepare, how can those representing our country arrive unprepared?”
Valentina contrasts this failure with the rigorous professionalism she observed in Canada, where ministries consult experts, review legal frameworks, and rehearse every presentation in detail.
Her disappointment is personal — not born of cynicism, but of deep love for Croatia.
“We fought to be recognized as competent, capable, honest people. Every time our officials come here unprepared, they undo years of our effort.”
She closes with a sobering thought:
“On the world stage, we don’t get second chances. One meeting, one impression — that is Croatia.”
National Highlights: Political Upheaval and Public Debate
The issue covers several major headlines from Croatia:
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The abolition of the County Chamber and changes to diaspora voting, which stirred controversy among Croatians abroad.
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The ongoing Norac case, in which General Mirko Norac declared himself not guilty and was placed in custody.
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Revelations about Serbian military orders during Operation Storm, showing that the mass Serb exodus was commanded by the Serbian military leadership.
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Plans for new NATO-aligned weapons production by the Bagat factory in Zadar, marking a step toward Western military integration.
Community News: Strength in Connection
The Iskra community section highlights events in Toronto and Mississauga, including:
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A notice from the Croatian Consulate in Mississauga encouraging diaspora participation in Croatia’s national census.
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Faith reflections marking the start of Lent (Korizma), encouraging readers to perform acts of kindness rather than mere ritual observance.
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Local activism led by Biserka Milinković, who calls for a response to Ontario’s use of the term “Serbo-Croatian” on official government forms — urging Croatians to defend the recognition of their language and identity.
“If you don’t stand up for your own, no one else will.”
Health Column: “Understanding Arthritis”
Dr. Darko Desaty offers a comprehensive overview of arthritis, describing its causes, symptoms, and modern treatments. The column covers major types, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, and offers practical advice for prevention and lifestyle management.
“When pain limits motion, movement becomes medicine.”
The article is followed by a short section on osteoporosis, emphasizing nutrition, exercise, and sunlight as key to bone health.
Community Reflections
Letters from readers provide heartfelt responses to previous Motrišta editorials — both in agreement and debate. Some express gratitude for Valentina’s honesty; others question her political tone. She welcomes both.
“Criticism means people care enough to respond. That’s how a free people speak.”
The issue also features a personal story from Višnja Katušić Geoheli, humorously recounting how she caught the flu from Valentina during a warm embrace at a community gathering — a reminder that even editors and friends share both joy and germs in winter.
Closing Words
Valentina concludes this issue with a mix of irony and faith. Croatia, she writes, is still learning what freedom means — not just independence, but accountability.
“In the West, business is done with respect, precision, and professionalism. That is the lesson we still need to learn.”
As Lent begins, she calls on readers to lead by example — to work honestly, help others, and represent Croatia with dignity wherever they are.
“It is easy to love in words. The real love is in doing.”
