PICULA: HUMAN RIGHTS ARE CENTRE OF DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

ROME, Nov 3 (Hina) - Human rights in today's world represent not only the moral obligation to respect the rights of others but they have become an issue of security, speedy economic development and political stability, Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula told a ministerial conference in Rome on Friday, which was held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Human Rights Charter. The Rome conference gathered delegations from 41 Council of Europe member-states and nine observer countries. Respect for human rights is the foundation for the normal functioning of any democratic society. Therefore, "it is the task of all of us to guarantee their effective protection, primarily by fully implementing the laws which guarantee basic freedoms and rights for all citizens," said Picula. After this general approach to the issue of human rights protection, Picula spoke about the situation in Croatia. "Special attention has been paid to the protection of human rights since this year's election in Croatia. Croatia has achieved significant progress as regards respect for basic human and democratic rights and the establishment of the rule of law, which has been recognised by the Council of Europe, which discontinued its monitoring mission in Croatia," Picula said. Croatia adopts laws in line with Council of Europe standards thus further providing safety for minorities and protecting human rights in general, Picula said. The foreign minister and other foreign ministers attending the conference were received by Pope John Paul II today. (hina) jn rml