EU AND US CALL UPON CROATIA TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS

WASHINGTON D.C., Dec 18 (Hina) - The European Union and the United States on Friday called upon Croatia to take steps to ensure that its parliamentary and presidential elections are free and fair, in accordance with democratic principles and OSCE standards. A joint statement, published after the meeting between the United States President, Bill Clinton, President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari and President of the European Commission Roman Prodi in Washington D.C. Friday, stressed that the European Union and the United States "reaffirm their commitment to the emergence of a secure, democratic and prosperous Southeastern Europe". Addressing each former Yugoslav country individually, the statement expressed support to the democratic opposition in Serbia and Milo Djukanovic's Government in Montenegro. "We will also continue our support for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1244 and for UNMIK and the Kosovo Force's efforts to establish in Kosovo a safe environment for all individuals, regardless of their ethnic, religious or other affiliation. We will lay the foundations for an effective administrative and judicial system, just as well as continue our strong support for the work of SFOR and the High Representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina", read the statement. (hina) it