NEW YORK, Sept 7 (Hina) - Croatia needs, urges and counts on the assistance of the international community in overcoming the consequences of the war, Croatian President Stipe Mesic said at a plenary session of Millennium summit on
Thursday.
NEW YORK, Sept 7 (Hina) - Croatia needs, urges and counts on the
assistance of the international community in overcoming the
consequences of the war, Croatian President Stipe Mesic said at a
plenary session of Millennium summit on Thursday.#L#
As the seventh speaker on the second day of the Summit's working
meeting, Mesic said that all countries must support the United
Nations and endeavour to make this global organisation, through
common efforts, the most relevant and efficient factor in the
present-day.
"I have in mind a regenerated and - in every respect - revitalised
United Nations capable of responding to the challenges of the new
century and providing the much needed framework for efforts focused
on strengthening security, and on the achievement of progress and
prosperity for all", said Mesic.
He added Croatia was determined in joining European economic and
security integration, exercising economic transformation, and
strengthening of the institutions of civil society and democracy.
"Firmly committed to such foreign policy goals, we also expect
their equally firm and encouraging support in this endeavour. We
are still faced with the challenges of issues such as Prevlaka and
succession to the former SFR of Yugoslavia, which ought to be dealt
with in accordance with the principle of inviolability of
internationally recognised borders, international law and
equality", the Croatian President said.
Prevlaka is a peninsula on the border between Croatia and
Yugoslavia (Montenegro), toward which Yugoslavia has
territorial pretensions. Since the withdrawal of the Yugoslav
People's Army (JNA), the area has been under U.N. military
observers' control, which is the cause of considerable discontent
among the local residents, who have been unable to use
their property for years now. Yugoslavia, on the other hand, is
ignoring the fact that the borders of the former Yugoslav
republics are internationally recognised and is stalling the
signing of an agreement on borders.
In Mesic's opinion, the United Nations should change but to
maintain the preservation and affirmation of basic principles of
freedom, equality, and fundamental rights of states, peoples and,
primarily, of individuals.
"Let us harness our forces and endure in our efforts to curb the arms
race, which is wasteful and lethal in every respect. Let us conclude
new treaties, and reinforce our support of existing treaties
covering this field, particularly with regard to mine control, and
control of small-bore weapon production and trade", the Croatian
President stressed.
He asked the countries to espouse the positive achievements and
promises of globalisation, and attenuate its negative implications
by favouring economic relations which would provide for the general
emergence of poor countries from their predicament. Mesic believes
that the reforming of financial institutions is necessary. He also
advocated a joined environmental protection.
Speaking of peace and the protection of rights of every human being,
President Mesic said in conclusion:
"Human life is a supreme value, and this is why we have the right and
the obligation to stand up in its protection, wherever and by
whomever it may be jeopardised, through our common global
organisation.
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