The "S. Res 342" resolution acknowledges Croatia's progress in meeting the political, economic and military requirements for NATO membership, and recommends Croatia's admission to NATO at the earliest possible date.
The resolution, sponsored by Ohio Senator George Voinovich of Croatian descent, reads that after it fully meets NATO membership criteria, Croatia should be invited to join as a full member as soon as possible.
The resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, also reads that since it gained its independence Croatia has made considerable progress in strengthening democratic institutions, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and commends its progress in the protection of ethnic minorities' rights.
Croatia is also commended for its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which the document says led to the arrest and transfer of several ICTY indictees, including Ante Gotovina.
The document was hailed by the Croatian Ambassador to the United States, Neven Jurica.
Several days ago, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a similar resolution recommending that Croatia be admitted to NATO as soon as possible.
The resolution 'H. Res. 529' acknowledges Croatia's progress in meeting the political, economic, military and other requirements for NATO membership and recommends the country's integration with NATO.
The text of the resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives, reads that "with complete satisfaction of NATO guidelines and criteria for membership, Croatia should be invited to be a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at the earliest possible date".