ZAGREB, April 21 (Hina) - A delegation of the United States' Congress on Friday commended political changes in Croatia and expressed hope that Croatia and the United States would deepen the cooperation in the economic and defence
field.
ZAGREB, April 21 (Hina) - A delegation of the United States'
Congress on Friday commended political changes in Croatia and
expressed hope that Croatia and the United States would deepen the
cooperation in the economic and defence field.#L#
"We are very pleased that democracy is now ripening with
competition and (with) peaceful transition from one party to
another. This is certainly, we think, a very good sign for the
stability of Croatia. We consider the United States as a firm friend
of Croatia and look forward to more investment opportunity and
military cooperation," said Senator of Texas, Kay Bailey
Hutchinson, after Friday evening's meeting with Croatian President
Stjepan Mesic. She led this delegation that included American
congressmen, accompanied with officials of Pentagon and the U.S.
armed forces.
"We are all joined in hoping and planning to work with a prosperous
and democratic Croatia in the future," said Democrat Martin Frost,
a member of the House of Representatives.
This U.S. delegation arrived in Zagreb from Kosovo, and on Saturday
it is to travel to Bosnia-Herzegovina. The delegation's members are
intensively engaged in issues relating to the U.S. defence.
Senator of Alabama, Jeff Sessions, applauded Zagreb's stand
towards the Hague-based International War Criminal Tribunal for
former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and Croatia's will to enable all refugees
to come back.
"This is a compliment to the integrity of the leadership of this
country," the senator added.
U.S. officials used this opportunity to discuss with Croatian
authorities the status of big Texas companies' investments in
Croatia.
Senator of Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, said two U.S. major
corporations - Bechtel and Enron - "are trying to make investments
here, and they will be looking for contractual rights and the rule
of law to determine if this is a stable place to invest."
Croatian President Mesic and Premier Racan assured American
interlocutors "that they understand this and they will be a stable
economic partner", she added.
"I think that will open many doors," Hutchinson said.
Croatian President's foreign affairs advisor Stanko Nick said
Mesic had informed the U.S. guests that Croatia's attitude towards
the United States had substantially changed after the elections.
Croatia views the United States as a very valuable ally, friend and
partner, Nick added.
(hina) ms