DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN CROATIA ARE CONTRIBUTION TO REGION - USA

WASHINGTON, Jan 4 (Hina) - The successful conduct of democratic elections in Croatia is an important step toward the consolidation of democracy in Croatia and a major contribution to the democratic development of the region as a whole, United State's Department of State said in a statement issued Wednesday. The State Department on behalf of the US Government congratulated the Croatian people on the implemented elections. "International observer missions have characterised the conduct of these elections as professional and as having made significant strides toward meeting OSCE standards," the statement said. The State Department called on the Croatian National Electoral Commission to continue perfecting "procedures in preparation of upcoming presidential elections". "The successful conduct of democratic elections in Croatia and the prospect of a peaceful and orderly transfer of power from one freely elected government to another is an important step toward the consolidation of democracy in Croatia and a major contribution to the democratic development of the region as a whole," the statement said. The State Department commended the Croatian Government for its positive contribution to the elections. "We look forward to working with Croatia's next government in further advance of our bilateral relations and to accelerate Croatia's further integration into the Euro-Atlantic community of democratic nations," the State Department said in the statement. (hina) lml