CROATIAN PARLIAMENT'S PRESIDENT HOLDS SPEECH

ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - Croatian Parliament's President Vlatko Pavletic, held a speech at the beginning of the 16th session of the House of Representative, on occasion of the fifth anniversary of the international recognition of the Republic of Croatia that happened on January 15, 1992. "Exactly five years ago, on this date, several European countries recognized the Republic of Croatia. That was first and crucial recognition, and following it many other countries acknowledged Croatia, so that currently a total of 128 countries in the world have recognized our country, and we have established usual diplomatic relations with 120 of them," Pavletic told the Parliament. He noted that recognition ensued after decisive steps which the Parliament (Croatian Sabor) made. "In February 1991, the Parliament revoked all powers of the federal organs of the (the former Yugoslavia). After the holding the referendum on Croatia's independence, the Parliament, on June 25, 1991, made the conclusion on disassociation, and since then by the Croatian Parliament's decision, the Republic of Croatia is proclaimed a sovereign and independent country, severing, finally and for ever, all relations with Yugoslavia, at a session held on November 8, 1991, outside the Parliament's building for security reasons," Pavletic said. He recalled that Croatia has been a member-state of the United Nations since May 22, 1992, and the 40th member-country of the Council of Europe since November 6, 1996. "Croatia is now a geostrategic irrefutable fact and unavoidable political factor for solving any dispute or problem in this part of the world. This gives us special security, but also binds us," Pavletic said. Pavletic quoted President Tudjman who most contributed to all diplomatic, political and military victories of Croatia since he assumed office in May 1990, as then saying: We have a task to prove credibly to the world which has recognized us and will recognize us in the future, as well as to the world which would still rather deny us that the democratic Croatia will be a worthy participant in the most progressive aspirations of the free world." If we failed to completely fulfill our promise, we would betray not only our friends in the world but also our Christian being, our permanent national interest, Pavletic stressed. He added that abiding by clearly-determined and firmly-supported Croatian national and state interests, Croatian policy should be capable of using the influence and power of most important partners in achieving its goals. Speaking of priorities in the foreign policy, Pavletic stressed that they must aid the strengthening of Croatia and its economy as a prerequisite for the overall progress. He said that "the first priority was the completion of the peaceful reintegration process of the Croatian Danubian area within set time limits which must not be prolonged." In this light recent offers in the letter of intent (by the Croatian Government) should be evaluated, which were very well accepted by international factors and which dash last hope of Serbs that they could delay and double-cross what was agreed. What is important for us that everything remains within the Constitution and relevant laws, the Croatian Parliament President said. Commenting on the objectives of the Croatian foreign policy, he pointed out full support to the implementation of the Dayton peace accords and to (Croat-Moslem) Federation along with protection of legitimate rights of the Croatian people in all parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina. He added that other important objectives were the institutionalization of relations with the European Union, Croatia's joining into the 'Partnership for Peace' programme, and the approaching of the NATO as well as the promotion of relations with European powers and the United States, and economic and cultural cooperation with neighbouring and friendly countries. To decrease the possibility of slowing down such defined processes we have to confute all arguments of factors that are not inclined toward us, as regards commitments we took when we recently became a member-country of the Council of Europe. This implied the further strengthening of the institutions of the law-based state and the observing of European standards in the protection of minorities, media freedoms and unimpeded work of non-governmental organizations, and Croatia's openness which was significant also in the war time. He reminded the session that the Croatian Parliament had maintained the permanent line of Croatia's statehood for many centuries. "This is something of which the entire Croatia has the right to be proud," he said adding that it also bound the current Parliament to contribute, responsibly and successfully by its political and legislative decisions, to the planned completion of the process of reintegrating all Croatian areas within Croatian internationally-recognized borders. He said it would be the final victory for which many have died, but for which it is worth living and working now in order that Croatia may be a country of beauty, security and welfare for its every citizen. Pavletic ended his speech by quoting President Tudjman as saying "We survived in the past, have won in the present, and the future is ours!" (hina) mš 151339 MET jan 97