ALBRIGHT ANNOUNCES SUPPORT TO CROATIA'S ACCESS TO PFP, WTO

WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (Hina) - United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said on Wednesday Washington wanted to assist in Croatia's access to NATO's Partnership for Peace programme and the World Trade Organisation.#L# Addressing a session of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on International Relations, which discussed a draft budget for the next financial year, Albright assessed Croatia had an outstanding opportunity to realise its chief goals in foreign affairs, with full U.S. support. George Radanovich, a Republican representative from California, thanked the state secretary on her decision to visit Croatia for a second time in only two weeks. He pointed out Croatia's new leadership deserved U.S. support in its endeavours. Albright said she was very satisfied to be able to attend the inauguration of Croatia's new President Stipe Mesic in Zagreb on Friday. To illustrate the importance she ascribes to democratic changes in Croatia, Albright said she had postponed a meeting in Washington with Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono. The changes which have recently taken place in Croatia are important for Croatia and the entire region, the U.S. state secretary said. Christopher Smith, a Republican congressman from New Jersey, voiced hope Croatia would soon become a constituent part of united Europe. Things in Croatia have significantly improved since last October, reforms are on the horizon, he said. According to Smith, it is significant that Croatia's new Premier Ivica Racan and President Stipe Mesic have promised a different position towards Bosnia-Herzegovina, the return of Serb refugees to pre-war homes, cooperation with The Hague war crimes tribunal, and civic democratic freedoms. We have to make sure they are not empty promises, we have to encourage Croatia to come closer to full freedom, justice, democracy, and progress for all citizens, Smith said, adding democratic processes in Croatia should be supported. (hina) ha