WASHINGTON, June 5 (Hina) - The US Senate adopted unanimously late on Tuesday evening a resolution commending Croatia for the significant progress it has made in the development of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and a free
market economy. The resolution was adopted on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Croatia's recognition by the United States.
WASHINGTON, June 5 (Hina) - The US Senate adopted unanimously late
on Tuesday evening a resolution commending Croatia for the
significant progress it has made in the development of democracy,
human rights, the rule of law, and a free market economy. The
resolution was adopted on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of
Croatia's recognition by the United States. #L#
The resolution was jointly proposed by Senators John McCain
(Republic, Arizona), Richard Durbin (Democrat, Illinois), Joseph
Lieberman (Democrat, Connecticut), George Voinovich (Republican,
Ohio), and Joseph Biden (Democrat, Delavare).
"The United States recognised the Republic of Croatia on April 7,
1992, acknowledging the decision of the Croatian people to live in
an independent, democratic, and sovereign country," reads the
document.
The resolution further notes that during the 10 years since the
recognition, the people of Croatia have overcome the legacy of the
autocratic Tudjman government and persevered in building a
democratic society, based on the rule of law, respect for human
rights, and a free market economy, as shown by the democratic
parliamentary and presidential elections held in January and
February 2000.
Croatia and its government share the democratic values of the
international community and actively promote democratic values in
international organisations, reads the document, pointing to
Croatia's activities in the Vilnius Group, which consists of
countries aspiring towards NATO membership.
"Croatia is a reliable friend and ally of the United States,
actively contributing to the stabilisation of South Central
Europe," reads the resolution, noting that Croatia was one of the
first countries to position themselves within the anti-terrorism
coalition of nations.
The Senate "commends the Republic of Croatia for the significant
progress it has made in the past decade, and encourages its
democratic orientation and further strengthening of respect for
human rights, the rule of law, and the free market," reads the
document.
The Senate also supports Croatia's aspirations to become a member
of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and welcomes its
admission to the Membership Action Plan at the NATO ministerial
meeting in Reykjavik.
The Senate encourages Croatia's continued co-operation with the
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and
recognises "the important role of the Croatian-American community
in supporting the strengthening of bilateral relations between the
United States and the Republic of Croatia".
(hina) rml sb