[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           CHANGE IN CROATIA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2000

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, in October of last year, I 
expressed concerns in this Chamber on the condition of democracy in 
Croatia. At that time, the leadership of Croatia was resisting the 
transition towards free elections, stalling the construction of 
democratic institutions, flaunting the rule of law, and squashing 
ethnic diversity. Those that held power were maintaining it in two 
significant ways. The first was through the manipulation of the 
political system to their advantage, including, in particular, efforts 
to control the media and the unwillingness to allow free and fair 
elections. Second, there was heavy reliance on nationalist passions for 
support. Zagreb's policies swayed the loyalties of Croats in 
neighboring Bosnia and made it difficult for the displaced Serb 
population to return to the country.
  Since last October, things have changed drastically and for the 
better. In the Parliamentary election of January 3, the desire of the 
people for change was manifested as the party that had ruled since the 
fall of communism was defeated by an opposition coalition led by the 
new Prime Minister, Ivica Racan. Meanwhile, in a special presidential 
election on February 7 to succeed the late Franjo Tudjman, Stipe Mesic 
won on promises of reform, of a more democratic political system with 
diminished power for the presidency, of greater cooperation with The 
Hague in the prosecution of war criminals, of progress in the 
implementation of the Dayton Accords in Bosnia, and of the return of 
Croatia's displaced Serb population. These changes have been 
universally applauded, specifically by Secretary of State Madeleine 
Albright during her visit to Croatia on February 2. In fact, Mr. 
Speaker, I join the Secretary of State in commending the new policies 
of Croatia's leaders, and I compliment our able Ambassador to Croatia, 
William Montgomery, for his role in pressing for democratic change.
  Mr. Speaker, it is good that Croatia's new leadership is talking 
about substantial reform. However, we must be sure that it is not just 
talk. We must be sure to encourage Croatia to move closer towards full 
freedom, true justice, and greater prosperity for all of her citizens, 
regardless of ethnicity. We must continue to press for the surrender to 
The Hague of those indicted for war crimes. As we do, we must be ready 
to support Croatia, even as we have been ready to criticize Croatia's 
shortcomings in the past. Recent violence in southeastern Europe 
underscores the need for true democracy in the region.
  In closing, I congratulate Croatia's new leadership and its promise 
of progress. Now that reform is on the horizon, I am hopeful that 
Croatia will soon be an integrated partner in European affairs.

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