ZAGREB, Sept 7 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic on Tuesday received a delegation of Croatian cultural institutions and organisations from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. According to a statement from the Foreign
Ministry, present at the reception was also the chairman of the Croatian Homeland Foundation, Ante Beljo. Minister Granic said the unity of Croats at home and abroad had enabled the creation of modern, sovereign, democratic, and independent Croatia. Croatia today, territorially integrated and integral, is working on providing economic well-being and strengthening the established democratic system, the foreign minister said. In foreign affairs, Croatia is working on the establishment of optimal relations with its neighbours and in political, economic, and security integration with European and Transatlantic institutions, he added. Minister Granic exp
ZAGREB, Sept 7 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic on
Tuesday received a delegation of Croatian cultural institutions
and organisations from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, present at the
reception was also the chairman of the Croatian Homeland
Foundation, Ante Beljo.
Minister Granic said the unity of Croats at home and abroad had
enabled the creation of modern, sovereign, democratic, and
independent Croatia.
Croatia today, territorially integrated and integral, is working
on providing economic well-being and strengthening the established
democratic system, the foreign minister said. In foreign affairs,
Croatia is working on the establishment of optimal relations with
its neighbours and in political, economic, and security
integration with European and Transatlantic institutions, he
added.
Minister Granic expressed his recognition to Croats in Yugoslavia
who had succeeded in keeping their identity in very difficult
conditions.
He explained the normalisation of relations with Yugoslavia was
primarily aimed at ensuring the protection of the Croats' minority
rights and the successful completion of the peaceful reintegration
of the Danube River Region of eastern Croatia.
Granic reiterated that care for Croats outside the homeland was a
constitutional obligation, and stressed that the Croatian
government would continue supporting their efforts to preserve
identity in Yugoslavia. He reminded of Croatia's efforts to have an
agreement on the protection of minorities signed with Yugoslavia.
Speaking about the recently signed Stability Pact for Southeast
Europe, Minister Granic said the pact will enable Croats in
Yugoslavia to further strengthen their rights. He called on all
representatives of Croatian associations to be unified in
protecting their interests and preserving the Croatian identity.
In this they will receive the support of the Croatian government.
Granic also pointed to the importance of cooperation with other
minority communities, especially the Hungarian.
The representatives of Croats in Yugoslavia pointed to the
difficulties they encounter in their work, and outlined concrete
proposals for possible assistance.
(hina) ha