President Ivo Josipovic said on Saturday that in the context of the closing of the policy chapters and the completion of Croatia's accession negotiations with the European Union, it was irrelevant who would sign the accession treaty.
He was commenting, at the request of the press, on Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor's statement earlier today that she would sign the treaty.
Josipovic said the signing of the accession treaty could not be abused for election purposes, reiterating his position that the forthcoming parliamentary election should be clearly separated from the referendum on EU accession.
That is "my only interest," he said, adding the referendum should be held after the election.
It is not important who will sign the accession treaty, the most important thing is that the negotiations are completed with the closing of the policy chapters, said Josipovic.
Reporters asked if universities were exposed to political pressure, as claimed by Zagreb University head Aleksa Bjelis, who sent a letter to Josipovic today requesting an urgent meeting because of political and media pressure on universities.
Josipovic said he had not received the letter yet, but added that one should clearly separate possible illegal activity in the work of universities from public discussions on bills regarding universities.
Josipovic said universities had the right to take part in discussions on new university laws and make their proposals, even to oppose the education ministry's proposals.
Speaking of today's Zagreb Pride march, he said he expected the capital to show the democratic and tolerant face of Croatia.
Josipovic said he expected the violence at last weekend's Gay Pride parade in Split never to occur again.
He reiterated that, in accordance with European principles, everyone had the right to peacefully express their positions, including gay people, adding that he had forwarded a letter of support that would be read out at today's event in Zagreb.
