YouSaid · the spoken record

Mate Granic

lines on the record: 87
first: 1996-09-24
most recent: 1999-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The present session of the General Assembly will be vital in preparing for the coming Millennium Assembly. It is important that this Assembly be well prepared so that it is an event of substance rather than of ceremonial character. Croatia hopes that it will be a real crossroads and that it will succeed in providing guidelines for a better and more tolerant world in the coming millennium. Allow me to conclude by noting that Croatia is looking forward to the work of the fifty-fourth session, hopeful that it will bring further progress in addressing the challenges and grasping the opportunities of our times.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Croatian Government, through its National Committee for Human Rights Education, in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and experts from the Council of Europe, is preparing a national programme on human rights education targeting schoolchildren at the primary and secondary levels. Croatia continues to follow closely the progress being made towards establishing an International Criminal Court. The establishment of an efficient, permanent International Criminal Court will be a milestone in the march towards the universal protection of human rights and the rule of law. Croatia has signed the Statute of the Court and looks forward to other States doing so, too, so that this great achievement of the international community can commence its operation as soon as possible.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As we have announced in the past, through its participation in the United Nations mission in Sierra Leone Croatia will now be able to repay in kind the good deeds previously bestowed on it. The Croatian Government is honoured by this responsibility and is confident that its soldiers will be exemplary members of the United Nations force. Additionally, we welcome the evolutionary developments in the area of peacekeeping, from the use of civilian police and preventive forces to the “White Helmets” proposal. The promotion and protection of human rights requires constant vigilance and effort by all responsible Governments.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Questions related to mine clearance and to the destruction of anti-personnel and other types of mines are a matter of special concern to Croatia. In spite of the fact that much work is being done to alleviate this problem, hundreds of thousands of mines still lie scattered over 6,000 square kilometres of Croatia's territory. Having ratified the Ottawa Convention last year, Croatia was pleased to host a regional conference on anti-personnel mines in Zagreb in July this year and thus share its 15 experience and expertise directed at ridding the world of these terrible weapons. The United Nations is best known for its peacekeeping role around the world. Croatia, which has hosted five separate peacekeeping operations on its territory, has in recent weeks taken on the role of a contributor of peacekeepers.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The United Nations must be ready to cope with these challenges. This inevitably requires reform of the Organization. There is, of course, a broad consensus about the need for reform, but as always, the devil is in the details. The United Nations needs to have mechanisms at its disposal to address the issues arising from the new international order in a timely and efficient manner. The reforms within the competency of the Secretary-General are moving ahead. The Member States should now grasp the symbolism of the new millennium in order to conclude the reform process. The reform of the Security Council remains stalled. The primary task of the Council, the maintenance of international peace and security, makes its representation and transparency, and hence its reform, highly important.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Croatia believes that implementation of the negotiated outcomes in the broad subject areas of sustainable development is the key to promoting the global agenda of leaving a healthy planet Earth for future generations to enjoy. The system of international conferences, now undergoing their five-year reviews, and the United Nations system as a whole, have a leading role to play in this regard. It is with all these factors in mind that Croatia has chosen the Economic and Social Council as the first principal body to which to present its candidature. Our hopes and goals for the future notwithstanding, the world is still encumbered with the legacies of the twentieth century. The scourge of war and all that violent conflicts bring with them are still a clear and ever-present concern.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continues to harbour the notorious war criminal Mile Martic and the perpetrators of the most heinous war crimes committed in Vukovar — Mrksic, Sljivancanin and Radic. Its stance overtly defies the will of the Security Council, the international community and justice in general. It also poses a big obstacle to the reconciliation process. We have witnessed tremendous advances during the twentieth century. However, many challenges remain, particularly if we are to eradicate poverty, protect our environment, and promote and achieve sustained social development and economic growth. The recent important deliberations and work of the Economic and Social Council have confirmed that the Council is an important forum for addressing the manifold issues arising from globalization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“However, while it has lent its full support and cooperation to the Tribunal, Croatia is not fully satisfied with the results to date. Indictments issued so far do not adequately reflect the true nature and scope of the war crimes committed by different sides in the conflict. The unusual delay in bringing persons in custody before the court — in some cases more than two years, despite the initial assurances of speedy trials — has not strengthened the Tribunal's credibility. No one has been charged for the crimes committed against Bosnian Croats — despite assurances given as long ago as the Dayton negotiations — and no one has been sentenced for crimes committed during the aggression against Croatia, despite ample evidence and 14,000 deaths. Allow me to repeat what I have said on previous occasions in this forum.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“While the difficult economic circumstances, particularly in the areas of return, are certainly not helping the process, they are affecting all citizens equally. In spite of these objective circumstances, the national Programme for the Return and Accommodation of Displaced Persons, Refugees and Exiled Persons is being successfully implemented and has resulted in the return of 65,000 Croatian Serbs. Croatia maintains intensive relations with the International war crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. It has taken numerous steps, from providing documentation and access to alleged crime sites to assisting in the voluntary surrender of indicted persons to the Tribunal. Whenever a legal dispute has arisen, Croatia has sought ways of resolving it through proceedings within the Tribunal Chamber itself.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In this way, we hope that it will marshal the hitherto dispersed energies of the international community. Croatia lends its full support to the process related to the Pact and reiterates its determination to continue to take an active role in its implementation. 14 The joint success of the United Nations and the Croatian Government in peacefully reintegrating the previously occupied part of eastern Croatia early last year has been followed by the gradual return of displaced persons to their homes, not only in that region, but also to other areas of Croatia. It is a complex process involving the return of Croats to their homes in the previously occupied areas, and the return of Croatian Serbs to their homes from other countries and from eastern Croatia to other parts of the country.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The new Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe builds upon the sound foundation provided by the prospect of the inclusion of the States of the region in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes. However, its success will depend upon an individual evaluation of the progress being made by the respective States, an evaluation which should be based upon simple, clear and transparent criteria. My country has welcomed the Pact as an important development involving all the relevant international actors and seeking a comprehensive solution. In the view of Croatia, the strengths of the Pact — provided that it is implemented to the letter — are, first, its comprehensiveness and, secondly, its vision of integrating the participating States into the Euro-Atlantic structures.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I am particularly pleased to be able to inform the Assembly that we have recently resolved one of the hitherto open questions in our relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina: an agreement has been signed settling the issue of our common border. Croatia will continue both to support the implementation of the Dayton agreements regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina and to maintain its commitment to ensuring the rights of the Croats, as the least numerous of its three constituent peoples. Following a slow initial response, there has been a proliferation of both national and multinational initiatives throughout the second half of the 1990s aimed at ensuring long-term stability in South-Eastern Europe.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Responsibility for this state of affairs lies squarely with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which keeps rejecting the conclusions of the United Nations/European Union Conference on the Former Yugoslavia, as well as the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly. Only if rooted in this existing body of international law and authority can the question of succession be resolved. Pending a full resolution of this issue, the normal economic processes that might otherwise promote stability and cooperation cannot have a positive effect, either on the region or on bilateral relations. Over the past year, Croatia has persevered in its determination to enlarge and enrich the content and scope of its special bilateral relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Whether as a result of successful bilateral negotiations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, of a Security Council resolution or even of unilateral action consistent with the rights and duties of Croatia under international law, the UNMOP mandate should be terminated soon. Further prolongation of the mandate will only serve those who wish to stall negotiations indefinitely, which is contrary to good- neighbourly relations and the interests of stability in the wider region. The key legal issue arising from the disintegration of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia remains that of succession. As long as this matter is unresolved, the prospects for lasting normalization in the region will be hampered for all the successor States.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Only when the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia accepts Prevlaka as a purely security-related issue instead of considering it a territorial dispute, and refrains from abusing this issue in internal Serbian-Montenegrin relations, will a solution be at hand. The opening of border crossings with the Republic of Montenegro has, by allowing for the freedom of movement of people and goods, significantly contributed to regional stability and helped the democratic transformation of Montenegro. Croatia has proposed the establishment of a bilateral security regime as a follow-up to the present one administered by the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP).”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The military intervention of the international community, supported by all the countries of the region, including Croatia, must now be followed up with an appropriate political response. Just as we joined the international community in condemning violations of human rights, it is clear that energies must now be concentrated on building a lasting and just peace. With regard to the security issue of Prevlaka, as with other matters resulting from the aggression and territorial pretensions of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, bilateral negotiations have been unsuccessful. The simple reason is that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia does not wish to accept Croatia's internationally recognized borders.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The struggle to raise and improve the quality of life of the hundreds of millions who continue to suffer the anguish of poverty, the protection of our precious environment, the strengthening of democracy and the protection of human rights, responding effectively to natural disasters, further 13 progress in disarmament and dealing properly with security crises as they arise all continue to occupy us. Having mentioned the issue of security, allow me to observe that the situation in South-Eastern Europe has come full circle with the return of the epicentre of the crisis to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Kosovo, where it started more than a decade ago.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In looking forward to the challenges of the future, our countries also realize that the world continues to hold many dangers. It has been rightly said that globalization has two faces. While accounting for an increasingly complex web of linkages across the full spectrum of human endeavour, it has also led to increased alienation and, in some cases, disparity. Quite clearly, the United Nations is at the forefront of efforts to address and reconcile these complex processes.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Let me first extend sincere congratulations to you, Sir, as the new President of the General Assembly. I am confident that your rich diplomatic experience and the reputation you enjoy will play an important role in leading the Assembly’s work. I would also like to give credit to Mr. Didier Opertti of Uruguay for the great skill and persistence he showed in presiding over the work of the fifty-third session of the General Assembly. May I also welcome the three new Member States of our Organization, Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga. The United Nations is richer for their membership. We are only one year away from the Millennium Assembly, an event whose symbolism should inspire us to strive harder to achieve all the goals of the Organization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Under its auspices, many praiseworthy achievements have been made in various fields. The United Nations has played an important role in Croatia, in time of war as well as now, when its two missions are about to complete their mandates. The United Nations presence in Croatia will continue at a level of partnership in addressing social and, especially, development questions. Only a strong and reformed Organization will be able to adequately meet the increasing and changing needs of its Member States. In conclusion, therefore,I would like to say again that values do matter. We the peoples are capable of truly reforming the United Nations. We both need and deserve a United Nations that is able and equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Croatia has also ratified the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Croatia welcomes the results of the Rome Conference on the establishment of an International Criminal Court, and thanks the host country, Italy, for its generous hospitality. Although not all aspirations could be fully accommodated in Rome, the establishment of an efficient, permanent International Criminal Court will be a milestone in the march towards the universal protection of human rights and the rule of law. Croatia intends to sign and ratify the Statute of the court in the near future and calls on other States to do the same. The role of the United Nations remains of vital importance for the world today.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“My Government has ratified all major anti-terrorist treaties and actively participates in the current work on a nuclear terrorism convention. Croatia joins the rest of the world in commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the past 50 years it has become obvious that we should all work hard to establish efficient mechanisms for the protection of human rights. More objective criteria must be developed for their evaluation in order to avoid politicization and establish a universal standard in human rights. In November 1997, Croatia ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and accepted the competence of the European Court of Human Rights and the European Commission of Human Rights to deal with individual cases.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The sheer magnitude of this problem requires a more forceful and resourceful global response, be it financial or technical. Croatia ratified the Ottawa Convention in May 1998 and strongly supports the efforts in the Conference on Disarmament to start negotiations on a global ban by building on the achievements of the Ottawa process. The developments in disarmament, non-proliferation and international security since our last session can be a cause of great concern. International terrorism is another threat to security and peace in the world. Croatia joins others in unequivocally condemning all forms of terrorism, regardless of their motives or origin. Croatia also supports the strengthening of international cooperation in order to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further abhorrent acts of violence.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It was with a sense of pride and responsibility that I submitted a letter to the SecretaryGeneral earlier today, formally notifying him of Croatia’s readiness to join the ranks of peacekeeping contributor countries. Disarmament and international security issues are critically important in our efforts to preserve peace and enhance stability in the increasingly volatile world. Croatia is particularly concerned about the problem of landmines. We still suffer from the consequences of more than 2 million mines scattered all over our country during the imposed war. A lot of work has been done to 36 alleviate the problem, but many areas have not yet been cleared. This situation adversely affects the process of return of displaced people and refugees and slows down economic reconstruction and development.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Although Croatia has increased its presence in United Nations expert bodies, including two commissions of the Economic and Social Council, we can do and wish to do more. Hence, Croatia attaches paramount importance to its candidature for the Economic and Social Council for the years 2000-2002. The need for further improvement of international security structures and mechanisms deserves our special attention. If it has been identified with anything, the United Nations has been widely identified with its peacekeeping role. Nowadays, as we approach the end of the active and, by general estimation, highly successful United Nations peacekeeping presence in Croatia, the Croatian Government and people feel very strongly that the time has come for Croatia to pay back in kind some of the good deeds bestowed on us by the United Nations community.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Interdependence, liberalization of polities and markets and the profoundly widened access to instantaneous communication all demand that the function and use of the veto power be readjusted, and that this pivotal world body operate in a more transparent, representative and otherwise democratic structure. Croatia thus supports the enlargement of the Security Council in both categories, permanent and non-permanent, fully in line with its repeatedly declared positions. Several important world conferences have been held under United Nations auspices in the past decade; the time has come to implement the findings and evaluate the results of those conferences. We firmly believe that the role of the Economic and Social Council remains important to the well-being of this Organization and its Members.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It is Croatia’s view that the reform of the United Nations should take many forms and focus not only on the needs of the Organization — that is, on the fulfilment of its legislative mandates — but also on increasing its effectiveness on the global stage. The Secretary-General has done his part, and it is now up to each and every one of us — as nations, as peoples, as individuals — to partake in reforming the United Nations for the next millennium. The reform of the Security Council remains imperative. While the founding principle of the sovereign equality of States must be strictly maintained, both the structure and operation of the Security Council must be harmonized with the new realities in international affairs.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The United Nations is much more than an Organization; it is a living idea for a better world. Values do matter. Like all organizations, the United Nations has aged, and its structure and mechanisms have become anywhere from slightly to grossly obsolete. To meet the challenges and needs of the emerging global society at the turn of the century, the United Nations must evolve just as quickly or risk being overtaken by other institutions or initiatives that may or may not be universal in scope, and may or may not more faithfully reflect the credo of a better world for all of us. It is high time that we again acted as “We the peoples”.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“However, we must face the fact that we are also witnesses to the negative legacies of the twentieth century: the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; terrorism; narcotics production, trafficking and consumption; lagging development; disregard for the environment; the rise of transnational crime; and continued grave breaches of fundamental human rights and humanitarian law. On the fiftieth anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, let us ask ourselves: what is the United Nations, what does it really do? I agree with those who strongly believe that the United Nations is not only a global Organization in which Governments exchange views, muster support for their policies and views or trade in votes and influence.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We join the international community in condemning violations of human rights in Kosovo, and we denounce all forms of terrorism, regardless of whether they are committed by a State, a group or an individual, bearing in mind that State 35 terrorism represents the most dangerous form of terrorism, due to the resources available to States. Croatia supports a peaceful and negotiated solution that would respect both the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the rights of Kosovo Albanians to autonomy. Croatia is alarmed at the imminent humanitarian catastrophe, which needs urgent and determined international action. The twentieth century can boast of tremendous achievements in various fields on the individual as well as the collective level, while awareness of global interdependence in every respect is growing.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“On top of that, not a single person — despite promises made as far back as the Dayton negotiations — has been charged for crimes committed against Bosnian Croats. Furthermore, only one Serb was brought to The Hague for crimes committed during the aggression against Croatia, but he died in prison and was never sentenced. The most notorious perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity — Karadzic, Mladic and Martic — still remain at large, and in many cases in full view of the international community. The Republic of Croatia shares the concern of the international community on the rapidly worsening situation in Kosovo and the impending threat to international peace and security. As a neighbouring country of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Croatia is vitally interested in a speedy resolution of the crisis.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Termination of both United Nations missions will be a new landmark in the life of our country and will confirm once again its sovereignty and integrity over its entire territory. While it has lent its full support and cooperation to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Croatia is not satisfied with its results thus far. Indictments issued so far do not adequately reflect the scope of war crimes committed by different sides in the conflict nor the level of involvement. The Republic of Croatia helped to persuade 11 Bosnian Croats to voluntarily surrender to The Hague Tribunal. Three of them have been acquitted while the rest have been awaiting trial for over 12 months, much longer than usual in any individual State.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Whether it is through successful bilateral negotiations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, through the Security Council or even through unilateral action consistent with the rights and duties of Croatia under international law, the UNMOP mandate should terminate by 15 January 1999, because in the present circumstances another prolongation of the mandate can be misused to stall negotiations indefinitely. The other United Nations mission in the Republic of Croatia, the United Nations Civilian Police (UNCIVPOL), with a mandate in the Croatian Danubian region, is approaching its final stage, after having successfully completed its task in that part of Croatia and, together with recently adopted measures by the Croatian Government, having helped create conditions for reconciliation and a comprehensive return process.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We hope that the last outstanding issue, concerning the security arrangement for the Prevlaka area, will be negotiated promptly. Negotiations formally began on 15 September 1998. Croatia stands ready not only to open the border crossings with the Republic of Montenegro, but also to continue with demilitarization on our side of the border and with the present security regime currently administered by United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP).”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The agreement on free transit through the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum and use of the Croatian port of Ploce, which will be formally signed shortly, is yet another example of good-neighbourly relations between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia has signed an agreement on the State to State Council on Cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia supports the efforts by the Office of the High Representative, United Nations representatives and the peacekeeping forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina and shall spare no effort in doing what is in its power to help them fulfil their mandate. We have come a long way in our bilateral relations with our eastern neighbour, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Since the end of hostilities, 10 bilateral agreements have been signed.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Hence, let me repeat that for the Republic of Croatia as a guarantor of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the following basic principles remain paramount: first, Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, internationally recognized State; second, the decentralization of State apparatus; and third, full equality of the three constituent peoples. Croatia cannot support any solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina that does not fully incorporate these founding principles or that in any way amounts to a revision of the Dayton principles. Deviations from or tacit abrogation of these principles can be both damaging and destabilizing not only to Bosnia and Herzegovina itself, but also to the other countries in the region. Croatia firmly believes that the recent elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina will further contribute to lasting stability and security.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“A successful donors’ conference on reconstruction, to be held later this fall, should further contribute to the ongoing process of return and normalization of daily life, especially in the war-affected areas. Croatia is increasingly focusing on post-war reconstruction, economic growth and development, as well as on the overall normalization of relations with its neighbours to the east and south. But it must be stressed that full normalization of relations with neighbouring 34 countries has always been a cornerstone of our policies from the very outset. Croatia was not only the first country to recognize Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent and sovereign country, but it has also helped Bosnia and Herzegovina more than any other party in its struggle to survive within its internationally recognized borders.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Even though the war is behind us, Croatia is still grappling with the legacies of aggression, such as the problems of devastated economic infrastructure, missing persons, ongoing assistance to war victims and invalids and the return of displaced persons and refugees. This means that my country is undergoing a double transition at the same time. The transition from war to peace is equally complex and demanding. In June this year, the national Programme for the Return and Accommodation of Displaced Persons, Refugees and Exiled Persons was adopted, and, as everybody agrees, it is being successfully implemented. So far, more than 45,000 Croatian Serbs have returned. Croatian authorities are also taking numerous steps and measures to encourage the process of reconciliation.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Therefore, Croatia will continue to march towards it, being devoted to its high standards and committed to its principles. This year Croatia is presiding over the Central European initiative with a great sense of responsibility. Furthermore, Croatia hopes to join the World Trade Organization soon. As a Central European and Mediterranean country, Croatia will further endeavour to remain a key agent of stability and peace in this part of the world. Through its responsible policy towards the crisis which has marked the recent history of this part of Europe, Croatia has affirmed its indispensable role in the most important political developments in this region.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We are learning that democracy means the right to both rational and what at times might appear irrational choices. We are learning that the free-market economy is both a prospect for success and a risk of failure. Positive results are already visible. Croatia of today, although still burdened by the multiple tasks of transition, reconstruction, the return of refugees and displaced persons and reconciliation, stands firmly rooted in the maturing Central European polity and economy. Croatia looks with ambition and sharpened senses towards reclaiming its place in the old Europe and contributing to the new Europe and the global community. Since ancient times Croatia has been a European country. Integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions remains our strategic goal.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Let me first extend my sincere congratulations to the new President of the General Assembly at its fifty-third session, His Excellency Mr. Didier Opertti, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay. I am confident that his diplomatic experience will play an important role in the work of the Assembly. At the same time, I would like to thank Mr. Hennadiy Y. Udovenko of Ukraine for the skilful manner in which he presided over the work of the fifty-second session of the General Assembly. I welcome the opportunity to address the General Assembly on behalf of a nation that has emerged more vital than ever before from one of the worst regional crises since the Second World War. The free and sovereign Croatia of today harbours a vibrant market place of ideas, innovative economic and rich social and cultural practices.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“There is also an opportunity before us to have this session of the General Assembly recorded in the annals of the Organization as a landmark in the Organization's development. Croatia will be only too glad to help make this come true.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Those standing in the way of the Dayton Accords and continuing to defy the integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a community of two equal entities and three constituent peoples have to be confronted with the same uncompromising determination of the international community, and, if required, with the same measures as were earlier applied in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which proved to be entirely necessary and productive. The economic reconstruction of the country — in which the international community should play an even more vital role — is also of special importance. The agenda of the fifty-second session of the General Assembly is extensive, and a great deal of work lies ahead of us.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Too much effort, resources and prestige have been invested in peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and too much suffering has been experienced by the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to allow any risk which may undermine what has been achieved in Dayton and in its wake. Croatia will persist and persevere in its role as an active peace agent in the region, expecting other parties involved in the peace process to fulfil their obligations.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“With relief and satisfaction, Croatia welcomes the easing of the crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and remains firmly committed to the principles and implementation of the Washington and Dayton Accords. My Government gives its active support to preserving the integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the consolidation of the federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a foothold and framework for the survival and well-being of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The role of the international community, especially that of the United Nations and the countries participating in SFOR, in the creation of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is irreplaceable at this stage of the peace process.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The mandate of UNMOP, which has been given the task of monitoring the demilitarization of the area from both sides of the southernmost border between the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, has been helpful in stabilizing security in that area and in creating conditions for a lasting settlement there through bilateral talks. The Republic of Croatia has shown full understanding for the interests of the Federal 14 Republic of Yugoslavia with regard to the security of the Boka Kotorska Bay, while being concerned for its own security in the Dubrovnik hinterland. In this regard, UNMOP has played an important role, but it will not be possible to deal with the outstanding problems through endless prolongations of the United Nations mandate.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“At the invitation of the Croatian authorities, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has undertaken to monitor the developments in the Croatian Danubian region after 15 January 1998. The reintegration of the Croatian Danubian region has never been an easy or simple process. The Republic of Croatia and all its citizens, especially the population of the Croatian Danubian region, including the persons expelled from it, owe a debt of gratitude to UNTAES and all the States whose troops have participated in this highly successful operation.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Demobilization has been completed. Local elections have been held through which the Croatian Danubian region has been reintegrated into the legal and political system of the country. Local Government has largely been transferred to the newly elected and constituted bodies. Rules have been defined and designed in cooperation between the Republic of Croatia, UNTAES and UNHCR to enable a dignified, safe and organized return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes in and out of the Croatian Danubian region. So far a total of 1,500 displaced Croats have returned to the Croatian Danubian region, and a total of 8,000 Serbs have returned from the region to their homes elsewhere in Croatia. The return of displaced persons and the international presence will continue after the departure of UNTAES.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Current peace operations in the territory of Croatia — UNTAES and UNMOP — are considered successful by my Government. Under the Basic Agreement signed between the central authorities of the Republic of Croatia and the Serbs from the Croatian Danubian region, and pursuant to relevant Security Council resolutions, the two-year UNTAES mandate expires on 15 January 1998. Croatia holds that at this moment there are no reasons whatsoever for any prolongation of the UNTAES mandate beyond 15 January 1998. We are also firmly convinced that this mission will be fully completed on time and will go down in history as one of the most successful United Nations peacekeeping operations. The results achieved under the auspices of the United Nations and with the full cooperation of the Croatian authorities can be described as highly satisfactory.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Moreover, the Constitutional Law on Cooperation with the International Tribunal has been adopted. Croatia’s principled position is to cooperate with the Tribunal within its obligations as defined in international law and in accordance with the relevant resolutions and the statute of the Tribunal adopted by the Security Council. However, Croatia cannot be completely satisfied with the work of the Hague Tribunal to date. The charges raised so far, and the ethnic composition of the persons being tried in The Hague at present, do not properly reflect the responsibility of the sides involved in the conflict or the extent of the war crimes committed. On the other hand, by trying to subpoena the States and their high officials, the Tribunal has gone beyond its own statute and international law.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)