ZAGREB ZAGREB, Nov 20 (Hina) - Croatia is today an active member of the United Nations and wants to be an active subject in international relations while promoting its interests, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said on Wednesday
after talks with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Zagreb.
ZAGREB, Nov 20 (Hina) - Croatia is today an active member of the
United Nations and wants to be an active subject in international
relations while promoting its interests, Croatian President
Stjepan Mesic said on Wednesday after talks with UN Secretary-
General Kofi Annan in Zagreb. #L#
Mesic and Annan, who is on a day-long visit to Croatia, discussed
major global problems such as the threat of global terrorism and
global development, as well as the situation in Croatia and the
region.
"The Republic of Croatia, within its possibilities, is an active
member of the United Nations (...) and wants to be an active subject
in international relations, promoting its interests but never
forgetting the basic principles of the UN Charter," the Croatian
head of state said.
He added that Zagreb was aware both of the shortcomings of this
world organisation as well as of its irreplaceable role in the past
fifty years.
In today's world it is necessary to think about the need to
implement some reforms which would adjust the UN to new conditions
and make it a more efficient instrument in bids to build peace and
security, Mesic said.
Croatia is building a society on firm foundations, on the
strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law, and
freedom of media and expression, the UN Secretary-General said and
added that Croatia was on the right track towards a strong
democracy.
Annan voiced satisfaction with progress and changes in Croatia, and
commended Croatian officials for their efforts to improve ties with
neighbours and enhance peace and stability in the region.
He pointed out the issue of justice, refugee returns and missing
persons which south-eastern Europe should solve so as to achieve
reconciliation and good neighbourly relations.
Annan praised Croatia's efforts to draw closer to Euro-Atlantic
integration processes and wished it success.
The UN Secretary-General said he wished the Croatian authorities
success on their path and promised the UN's support.
(hina) ms sb