WASHINGTON, Jan 25 (Hina) - Recent parliamentary and presidential elections in Croatia represent an important watershed not only for Croatia but for the entire region, United States officials assessed on Tuesday. American officials
said they were sure the changes which took place recently would bring Croatia from the bottom to the very top among countries aspiring to Euro-Atlantic integration. We do not exclude the possibility of Croatia's becoming a member of NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in the course of this year, said a high-ranking State Department official. A U.S. diplomat assessed the Croatian people had demonstrated its political commitment and turned from ultra-nationalism. Croatia's example can be stimulating as an indicator of democratic development in Southeast Europe, especially for Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the diplomat said. The opinion prevailing at the U.S. State Depart
WASHINGTON, Jan 25 (Hina) - Recent parliamentary and presidential
elections in Croatia represent an important watershed not only for
Croatia but for the entire region, United States officials assessed
on Tuesday.
American officials said they were sure the changes which took place
recently would bring Croatia from the bottom to the very top among
countries aspiring to Euro-Atlantic integration.
We do not exclude the possibility of Croatia's becoming a member of
NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in the course of this year,
said a high-ranking State Department official.
A U.S. diplomat assessed the Croatian people had demonstrated its
political commitment and turned from ultra-nationalism. Croatia's
example can be stimulating as an indicator of democratic
development in Southeast Europe, especially for Serbia and Bosnia-
Herzegovina, the diplomat said.
The opinion prevailing at the U.S. State Department is that last
month's death of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman was not crucial
for the changes which took place. Significant changes in the
executive and legislative authority would have taken place even if
Tudjman had stayed alive, said a State Department official who
requested to remain anonymous.
Croatia's new government and president are primarily expected to
integrally and consistently implement the obligations taken upon
signing the Dayton peace agreement. These include a clear
relationship with Bosnia-Herzegovina, cooperation with The Hague-
based International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia,
and a more successful return of all refugees to their pre-war
homes.
The U.S. administration says it will not be possible to achieve that
overnight, but adds the democratic-social liberal coalition which
won the January 3 parliamentary election clearly stated its
intentions, and the international community and the U.S. will
support it.
American and NATO officials and partners in the European Union have
already discussed opening integration processes. The U.S. will
increase direct assistance to Croatia this year, and will urge
international financial institutions to also assist.
The State Department expects a high-ranking U.S. delegation to
visit Croatia soon.
(hina) ha mm