ZAGREB, Nov 20 (Hina) - Croatia has made significant progress in strengthening democracy in the past ten year, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said during his meeting with Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula in Zagreb on
Wednesday, the Croatian Foreign Ministry reported.
ZAGREB, Nov 20 (Hina) - Croatia has made significant progress in
strengthening democracy in the past ten year, U.N. Secretary-
General Kofi Annan said during his meeting with Croatian Foreign
Minister Tonino Picula in Zagreb on Wednesday, the Croatian Foreign
Ministry reported. #L#
During the meeting, Annan praised Croatia's active participation
in the U.N. as well as activities conducted by Croatia's
representative to the U.N. He particular emphasised the need to
protect human rights and civil freedoms and the fight against
terrorism, the press release said.
Even though Croatia is a young democratic country, within its
abilities it will contribute to resolving global problems
particularly in the fight against terrorism, Picula said.
Croatia's Foreign Minister pointed to a good example of co-
operation with neighbouring countries with the forthcoming
conclusion of the U.N. mandate on Prevlaka. He concluded that
Croatia wished to contribute to U.N. efforts to preserve peace and
security in the world through its membership in the Security
Council for which Zagreb will apply for candidacy in 2008/2009, the
press release said.
Following the talks Picula and Annan signed a memorandum on
agreement between the Croatian Government and the U.N. regarding
the contribution to a U.N. stand-by arrangement that would define
military and police capacities for Croatia's participation in U.N.
peace operations. On behalf of the Croatian government, the
Memorandum was signed by Ivan Simonovic, Croatia's permanent
representative to the U.N. in New York and by Jean-Marie Guehenno,
under secretary for peace operations, on behalf of the U.N.
(hina) sp it