The resolution was proposed earlier this month in the House of Representatives by Congressman Elton Gallegly of California, the chairman of the Committee on International Relations Subcommittee on Europe. His proposal was supported by Congressmen George Radanovich and Peter Visclosky, co-chairmen of the Croatian Congress Club.
The resolution has recently been sent for adoption to the Committee on International Relations. In order to be discussed by the House of Representatives, it needs the votes of another 25 deputies, 10 of whom must be members of the Committee. It is not known when the Committee will address this issue.
Draft resolution HR529 acknowledges Croatia's progress in meeting political, economic and military criteria for NATO membership, and recommends that Croatia be invited to join the alliance as soon as possible.
The resolution assesses Croatia as a reliable partner of the United States and a country contributing to the stabilisation of Southeast Europe.
The paper says that since gaining independence, Croatia has made significant headway in strengthening democratic institutions, respecting human rights and the rule of law. It also acknowledges Croatia's contribution to the struggle against global terrorism and the realisation of demands from NATO's Membership Action Plan, as well as its constructive participation in the US-Adriatic Charter.
Croatia is also commended for considerably improving cooperation with the Hague tribunal. The document recommends continuing to take the necessary steps to locate war crimes fugitive Ante Gotovina and extradite him to the tribunal.
This resolution is markedly different from the position of the State Department, which has asked that Croatia's accession to NATO be made conditional on the arrest and extradition of Gotovina.
The document also states that the European Union launched entry negotiations with Croatia last month because candidacy criteria were met, including full cooperation with the Hague tribunal, and adds that Prime Minister Ivo Sanader has said the Croatian government is willing to fully cooperate with the UN court in taking steps to track down and transfer Gotovina.