[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 59 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H2986-H2988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA FOR CONDUCT OF ITS PARLIAMENTARY AND
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 251) commending the Republic of
Croatia for the conduct of its parliamentary and presidential
elections, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 251
Whereas the fourth Croatian parliamentary elections, held
on January 3, 2000, marked Croatia's progress toward meeting
its commitments as a participating state of the Organization
on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and as a member
of the Council of Europe;
Whereas Croatia's third presidential elections were
conducted smoothly and professionally and concluded on
February 7, 2000, with the landslide election of Stipe Mesic
as the new President of the Republic of Croatia;
Whereas the free and fair elections in Croatia, and the
following peaceful and orderly transfer of power from the old
government to the new, is an example of democracy to the
people of other nations in the region and a major
contribution to the democratic development of southeastern
Europe; and
Whereas the people of Croatia have made clear that they
want Croatia to take its rightful place in the family of
European democracies and to develop a closer and more
constructive relationship with the Euro-Atlantic community of
democratic nations: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) the people of the Republic of Croatia are to be
congratulated on the successful elections and the outgoing
Government of Croatia is to be commended for the democratic
standards with which it managed the elections;
(2) the United States should support the efforts of the new
Government of Croatia to increase its work on refugee return,
privatization reform, accession to the World Trade
Organization, media reform, and further cooperation with the
International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
to set an example to other countries in the region;
(3) the Congress strongly supports Croatia's commitment to
western democratic standards and will give its full support
to the new Government of Croatia to fully implement
democratic reforms;
(4) the United States continues to promote Croatian-
American economic, political, and military relations and
welcomes Croatia as a partner in the cause of stability and
democratization in south central Europe;
(5) the United States and the Republic of Croatia should
work to establish a strategic partnership to include
Croatia's entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's
Partnership for Peace; and
(6) the countries of the European Union should develop
closer relations with Croatia and, in particular, should help
to expedite Croatia's accession into global and regional
trade organizations, including the World Trade Organization.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
General Leave
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, this resolution, House Concurrent Resolution
251, was introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from California
(Mr. Radanovich). It is timely and appropriate. The people of Croatia
have suffered through too many years of warfare, destruction, ethnic
strife, and economic stagnation.
As this resolution points out, the elections held recently from the
Croatian parliament and the Croatian presidency were indeed conducted
in a fair, free, and Democratic manner, by all accounts that we have
received. Just as important, however, is the fact that those elections
brought to power a government that appears intent on moving Croatia
forward in all respects.
I therefore believe and agree with the sponsor of the resolution that
it would be worthwhile for the Congress to show its support at this
time for the new government in the form of this resolution. The new
Croatian government will face challenges in opening up its economy and
in finding ways to make certain that its support for ethnic Croats in
neighboring Bosnia does not lead Croatia to undermine the sovereignty
of that state.
It is going to face serious challenges in other areas as well. This
resolution will make it clear that the success in meeting those
challenges should be met by American and European support for Croatia's
full entry into the Pan American and trans-Atlantic community of
nations.
I am pleased to note that Croatia has been invited just last week,
Mr. Speaker, to join NATO's Partnership for Peace program. In that
manner, the new Croatian government's good intentions are receiving
important recognition.
This resolution will serve as another important signal of our support
as Croatia's new government moves to fulfill its intentions, and will
serve to highlight our hopes for Croatia's future success. I am
optimistic that Croatia's days of warfare and destruction are over. We
are hopeful that Croatia will now enter a stage of stability and
prosperity.
Now is the time for Croatia to build its new democratic future. This
resolution points to that fact and congratulates the Croatian people
for so clearly choosing the path of democracy in their recent
elections.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the adoption of this
important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in strong support of this resolution, Mr. Speaker. Just as the
committee takes the time to criticize the outcome of election results
that produce controversial governments, it also produces resolutions
which commend the results of positive elections, such as the recent
elections in Croatia in February.
[[Page H2987]]
The results of recent elections in Croatia have been described as
some of the best news to emerge from the Balkans since the Dayton
accords were signed 4 years ago.
The first elections to follow the death of Croatia's longtime leader
saw Croatians turn out in large numbers to elect reformers promising to
steer Croatia towards a more moderate internationalist path.
United States policymakers are optimistic that positive ripples from
the wake of this election will bode well for American interests
throughout the region. A new reform-minded, Western-leaning coalition
scored a comprehensive victory on the January 3 parliamentary
elections, securing 71 seats while the HDZ won just 40.
On the heels of the parliamentary election, the February 7 race for
president saw a battle of two reformers. During the campaign, the
newly-elected president promised that he would be the opposite of his
predecessor in everything. He said, ``Where he was autocratic, I will
be democratic; where he was nationalistic, I will be pro-European.''
It is important to note that the United States' pro-democracy
assistance to Croatia helped lay the foundation for this historic
election. USAID's 5-year commitment to strengthening a broad spectrum
of political parties and advocacy groups culminated in a 148-NGO
coalition of trade unions and small business groups teamed for a wide-
scale ``get out the vote'' campaign of media and face-to-face citizen
outreach.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich), the sponsor of this
resolution.
Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time
to me and allowing me to speak on this important resolution before the
House today.
On June 15 of this year, I introduced House Concurrent Resolution
251, commending the Republic of Croatia for the successful conduct of
its parliamentary and presidential elections.
The free and fair elections in Croatia and the beautiful and orderly
transfer of power from the old to the new government is an example of
democracy to the people of other nations in the region, and a major
contribution to the democratic development of Southeastern Europe.
President Mesic has pledged to bring his country into the European
Union in 5 years. Even if this is an ambitious goal, he is to be
commended. President Mesic has promised and has in fact undertaken
concrete steps to end interference in Bosnia, to welcome returning Serb
refugees, and to cooperate with the international court in pursuing
alleged Croatian war criminals. He has also promised further
privatization and media reform.
Although president Mesic and his new government face many many
difficulties, I am very optimistic that Croatia is on a new path. I am
hopeful we will do our utmost to encourage them on this path.
My resolution also calls for U.S. support and facilitation of
Croatia's goals for membership in NATO's Partnership for Peace program
and its accession to the World Trade Organization. I firmly believe
that by supporting Croatia's membership in PfP and its accession to the
WTO, we will not only be making a sound investment in the future
security of Southeast Europe, but we will also be sending a clear
message to other countries in the region of the benefits that come from
choosing a democratic path.
Croatia was a tremendous ally to us last year during the Kosovo
conflict, and as far as I am concerned, they have more than
demonstrated their loyalty to the United States.
In my opinion, their membership in the Partnership for Peace program
has already been earned and is long overdue. There is no question that
we need a trustworthy ally in Southeast Europe, where we have spent an
exorbitant amount of time and money. Croatia is that trustworthy ally,
and I want to honor this country, its leaders, and its people here
today.
I believe this is a very important resolution, and I urge my
colleagues to vote favorably.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the distinguished chairman of
our Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
(Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I will begin by thanking the gentleman
from New York (Chairman Gilman) for yielding time to me. I am pleased
that he expedited the consideration of this important resolution which
I rise to support.
This resolution, offered by our distinguished colleague from
California (Mr. Radanovich), certainly deserves our full support, for
it recognizes what the Republic of Croatia has done in the conduct of
its recent parliamentary and presidential elections.
Since the fall of communism in 1991, Croatia has now completed its
fourth parliamentary election and its third presidential election. I
would also give note of what the gentleman from New York (Chairman
Gilman) has mentioned, that on May 9 the North Atlantic Council
extended an invitation to Croatia to become the 26th member of NATO's
Partnership for Peace.
The Partnership for Peace, or PfP, serves as an important program for
fostering security and stability in Europe through military
cooperation.
I also serve as the chairman of the House delegation to the NATO
Parliamentary Assembly, and I would mention that the NATO Parliamentary
Assembly has noted the progress in Croatia in its turn towards
democracy. It is my expectation that Croatia will soon be offered
associate membership status because of that action.
This Member believes that Croatia rightfully earned the invitation to
PfP as that country has served as an important ally to NATO, as
demonstrated during the recent conflict in Kosovo.
{time} 1545
Croatia provided crucial airspace and port access during the NATO
operations. Croatia's commitment to stability in southeastern Europe is
further demonstrated by the active cooperation it has provided in
enforcing the Dayton Accord and in implementing the International
Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia.
Perhaps Croatia's most important contribution, however, has been
contribution to stability in this volatile neighborhood by the example
that it set in its successful transfer of political power through
democratic means, such as the recent elections.
Mr. Speaker, as this Member concludes, I would say, again, I want to
commend the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich)
for his initiative in offering this timely resolution which recognizes
the very significant and welcome progress in Croatia, which should
serve to encourage Croatia on this path.
I urge strong support for H. Con. Res. 251.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Commission
on Security and Cooperation in Europe--the Helsinki Commission--I fully
support this resolution.
Ten years ago, a waive of political pluralism swept East-Central
Europe, including Croatia and the other republics of the former
Yugoslavia. Multi-party elections and open expression of political
views allowed those unhappy with the existing Yugoslav federation to
work for change in their government. Unfortunately but not
unexpectedly, nationalism was a strong part of this effort, in part to
enhance the power of certain leaders and the ruling circles around
them. That is exactly what Franjo Tudjman and his Croatian Democratic
Community, or HDZ, did in Croatia.
The people of Croatia wanted change, including independence, and they
had to endure hardships for it. First, the 1991 conflict left thousands
dead and hundreds of thousands displaced as Serb militants occupied
major portions of the country. The retaking of this territory in 1995
led to further displacements. Subsequently, until 1999 those in power
in Croatia fanned the flames of nationalism, evident not only in the
unwillingness to allow Serbs from Croatia to return, but in the
efforts, sometimes violent, to form a Croatian enclave in neighboring
Bosnia-Herzegovina. For Those who disagree with this nationalist
approach, the authorities marginalized them with controls on society,
especially in the media.
As Croatian citizens grew confident in their country's independence
and stability, however,
[[Page H2988]]
they opted not for nationalism, isolation and corruption, but for
democracy, tolerance and economic progress. They had enough of the
past; they wanted to move forward. This was reflected in the strong
turnout for the parliamentary and presidential elections held earlier
this year, and in the results of those elections.
Croatia has now been accepted as a member of NATO's Partnership for
Peace. It is moving forward in its quest to be integrated fully into
European affairs. The prospects for the return of displaced Serbs
originally from Croatia has increased, along with cooperation with the
International Tribunal prosecuting war crimes and the international
community's regional efforts as a whole.
As I have been critical of developments in Croatia in the past, now I
must join those who welcome the progress that has fully been made. We
should, of course, monitor the situation closely, to make sure the
promises made by the new Croatian leadership are kept. At the same
time, we should also encourage Croatia by acknowledging positive
movement when we see it.
Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 251, a
resolution commending the Republic of Croatia for the conduct of its
Parliamentary and Presidential elections, introduced by my colleague on
the International Relations Committee, Mr. Radanovich of California. I
am proud to be a co-sponsor of this important resolution.
This resolution commends the Republic of Croatia for the conduct of
its recent parliamentary and presidential elections and calls for the
United States to support Croatian efforts on compliance with the Dayton
Peace Accords. It also supports membership for Croatia in the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization's Partnership for Peace (PFP) program and
its accession into the World Trade Organization.
Recent developments regarding Croatia's membership in PFP underscore
the good timing of this resolution. Last Wednesday, NATO approved
Croatia's bid to join the PFP program, a move strongly supported by the
United States. NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson explained
``Croatia has now become an example for its neighbors and an
inspiration for moderate forces throughout the region. By promoting
peace and stability in the Balkans, Croatia has won its place in the
Euro-Atlantic family.''
The results of recent elections in Croatia have been described as
some of the best news to emerge from the Balkans since the Dayton
Accords were signed four years ago. The first elections to follow the
death of longtime leader Franco Tudjman saw Croatians turn out in large
numbers to elect reformers promising to steer Croatia towards a more
moderate, internationalist path. U.S. policymakers are optimistic that
positive ripples from the wake of this election will bode well for
American interests throughout the region.
Many observers saw the elections as a measuring stick as to how weary
Croatians had grown with economic stagnation, authoritarian leadership,
and perceived corruption within the hardline ruling party, the HDZ.
Nonetheless, the sweeping change of the political landscape surprised
even many of those who has expressed optimism in advance of elections.
A new reform-minded, western-leaning coalition headed by Ivica Racan
scored a comprehensive victory in the January 3rd parliamentary
elections--securing 71 seats while the HDZ won just 40. On the heels of
the parliamentary election, the February 7th race for President saw
Stipe Mesic prevail in a battle of two reformers. During the campaign,
Mesic had promised that he would ``be the opposite of Tudjman in
everything. Where he was autocratic I shall be democratic. Where he was
nationalist, I'll be pro European.''
It is now apparent that many Croats who had supported Tudjman's
unyielding leadership after the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia
and the fierce battle between Croatia and Serbia that ensued, now voted
to signal the end of that era. Fueling this need for change was a
growing resentment among the Croatian people towards a corrupt HDZ
party perceived to be more interested in patronage and insider deals
than managing an economy where export had stagnated and a $9 billion
external debt had accumulated.
In addition to an improving bilateral climate with Zagreb, we hope
that the change of government in Croatia may create a dynamic for
change in the region. On the issue of Bosnia Herzegovina, both major
candidates for President campaigned for reducing political and economic
support for ethnic Croats in Bosnia. Recalcitrant Bosnian Croats,
sustained by HDZ hardliners in Zagreb, both reflected and reinforced
hostility in the Serb and Bosnian communities. This change in outlook
from Zagreb, coupled with a more independent Republika Srpsksa drifting
from a financially strapped Belgrade and growing international pressure
on the Bosnian Muslim government to reform may combine to create a
dynamic in Bosnia where the definition of progress is not simply the
absence of war but active trust and cooperation between ethnic groups.
This resolution has support from a broad bipartisan coalition, from
the Administration, and from leading Croatian-American groups such as
the National Federation of Croatian Americans.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pease). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
251, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as
amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________