ZAGREB ZAGREB, Nov 15 (Hina) - The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) convened for its annual meeting in Zagreb on Thursday, pooling the representatives of some 40 Helsinki Committees from around the world. The
event is held under the auspices of Croatian President Stipe Mesic.
ZAGREB, Nov 15 (Hina) - The International Helsinki Federation for
Human Rights (IHF) convened for its annual meeting in Zagreb on
Thursday, pooling the representatives of some 40 Helsinki
Committees from around the world. The event is held under the
auspices of Croatian President Stipe Mesic.#L#
Those attending were greeted by the host, the president of the
Croatian Helsinki Committee (HHO), Zarko Puhovski. Introductory
addressed were also made by IHF honorary president Juri Orlov and
IHF executive director Aaron Rhodes.
In his speech, President Mesic pointed to the importance of the role
non-governmental organisations play in building a democratic
system of government in countries in transition, and the importance
of the notion of civil society as a remedy to the incumbent
authorities.
"The activity of the Helsinki Committee is a foothold in the
resolving of individual issues relating to the violation of human
rights. Activities aimed at the process of reconciliation... and
expansion of interethnic tolerance are especially significant,"
said Mesic.
He added the HHO "contributes to Croatia's reputation in the world
and the development of democratic society which the European family
advocates and expects of its members."
Speaking about Croatia and ex-Yugoslavia's republics after the
1990s conflicts, Mesic said this region "needs a major
reconciliation after a brutal war (as well as) individualising
guilt for the crimes that were committed." When this is achieved,
collective accusations will stop and possibilities for cooperation
open, he added.
As for the return of Croatian Serbs as a problem Croatia faces,
Mesic said it was a process that "is not progressing as it should and
as we would like."
"Those people have many problems and we want them to return to
security," he asserted, adding "only the return will make Croatia
recognised as a democratic country" and demonstrate the "maturity"
of its democracy. Mesic expects the IHF will help.
The Federation was established in 1982 and is based in Vienna. Its
goal is promoting and monitoring the protection of human rights in
all Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe member-
states.
The three-day Zagreb meeting will include the presentation of
awards for special achievements in the protection of human rights
in 2001. Foreign Minister Tonino Picula will make an address as
well.
(hina) ha