[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 45 (Monday, March 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. RECOGNITION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2012

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, April 7, 2012, marks the twentieth 
anniversary of the United States recognition of the Republic of Croatia 
as a sovereign country.
  Two decades later, the Republic of Croatia has shown its firm and 
steady commitment to freedom, democracy, and prosperity for all its 
citizens.
  The United States has been a consistent supporter of these endeavors, 
to which the House of Representatives, and especially the Croatian 
Congressional Caucus, have played a crucial role.
  Over the past twenty years, Croatia has come a long way and the House 
of Representatives has been there to recognize and encourage its 
integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. On December 14, 2005, the 
House of Representatives approved House Resolution 529, which 
recommended and encouraged Croatia's membership in the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization (NATO). In addition, House Resolution 529 commended 
Croatia for its progress in meeting the political, economic, and 
military requirements. Finally, the resolution recognized Croatia's 
contribution to the global war on terrorism and for its constructive 
participation in the United States-Adriatic Charter.
  This was followed up by approval of House Resolution 1266 on July 30, 
2008, congratulating Croatia on being invited by NATO to begin 
accession talks. In the three years since Croatia joined NATO, Croatia 
has contributed to NATO-led peace-keeping missions and offered its 
strong support to allied forces, especially in Afghanistan, where 
Croatian troops are assisting in bringing stability and security to the 
country.
  Currently, we are witnessing another vital moment for our Southeast 
European ally. They have entered the final phase in its accession 
negotiations with the EU. Along with forging its Euro-Atlantic future, 
Croatia has proven to be an ardent advocate for the rest of the Balkan 
region. Success for Croatia will be success for the region and a beacon 
for eventual EU and NATO membership for all these countries, once all 
the conditions and benchmarks have been met.
  The 20-year relationship between the U.S. and Croatia has been based 
on shared values and friendship, and I am confident that it will 
continue.
  I know my colleagues join me in congratulating Croatia on all it has 
accomplished since becoming a sovereign nation. I look forward to our 
continuing partnership.

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