WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (Hina) - At a proposal of a deputy, George Radanovich, a draft resolution on commending the Republic of Croatia for the conduct of its parliamentary and presidential elections, has entered the decision-making
process in both Houses of the United States' Congress. According to a text which was made public on Thursday, the recent polls in Croatia "marked Croatia's progress toward meeting its commitments as a participating state of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and as a member of the Council of Europe." It added that the free and fair elections in Croatia "and the following peaceful and orderly transfer of power" (..) "is an example of democracy to the people of other nations in the region and a major contribution to the democratic development of southeastern Europe," read Congressman Radanovich's proposal. If it is to be adopted in this form,
WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (Hina) - At a proposal of a deputy, George
Radanovich, a draft resolution on commending the Republic of
Croatia for the conduct of its parliamentary and presidential
elections, has entered the decision-making process in both Houses
of the United States' Congress.
According to a text which was made public on Thursday, the recent
polls in Croatia "marked Croatia's progress toward meeting its
commitments as a participating state of the Organisation for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and as a member of the
Council of Europe."
It added that the free and fair elections in Croatia "and the
following peaceful and orderly transfer of power" (..) "is an
example of democracy to the people of other nations in the region
and a major contribution to the democratic development of
southeastern Europe," read Congressman Radanovich's proposal.
If it is to be adopted in this form, the resolution, backed by the
House of Representatives and the Senate, will call on the U.S.
Administration to support efforts of the new Croatian Government to
speed up the return of refugees, the privatisation reform, media
reform, and the promotion of cooperation with the International
Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
"The United States continues to promote Croatian-American
economic, political, and military relations and recognises Croatia
as a loyal partner in south central Europe," the document read.
"Taking in consideration Croatia's contributions (...) in the
region, the Congress recommends establishing strategic
partnership with the Republic of Croatia and supports its
membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's Partnership
for Peace program and its accession into the World Trade
Organisation," it concluded.
According to parliamentary procedures, Radanovich's proposal
should be first considered by the Congress' international
relations committee. Afterwards, both houses are to vote on the
resolution and the House of Representatives will do it first and the
Senate subsequently.
(hina) mm ms