Even though we have hoped to have a world of peace, stability and cooperation in the third millennium, the past several years have not given many reasons for optimism, Mesic said.
The world is faced with global terrorism, and underdevelopment and poverty have become a big problem with millions of people who may die of hunger, regional crises still exist and human rights are being violated even there where it can be least expected," Mesic said in his talk before some 170 guests, including members of the Croatian Government, a deputy parliament speaker and foreign diplomats accredited in Croatia.
Stressing Croatia's openness towards the world and readiness to cooperate with all, Mesic said Croatia wanted to find a niche in the world and assume responsibility in the international community, notably in the United Nations.
"This is why Croatia has applied for nonpermanent membership of the UN Security Council for a period of two years," Mesic said.
He thanked the apostolic nuncio in Croatia, Francisco Javier Lozano, who wished him a merry Christmas and a happy New Year on behalf of the diplomatic corps. Lozano expressed satisfaction with the fact that Croatia showed maturity and started membership negotiations with the European Union last October.
Lozano wished Croatia the accomplishment of its objectives, notably its full integration with the European Union.