[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13840]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING CROATIA'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Hon. Peter J. Visclosky 
and myself, in our capacity as Co-chairs of the Congressional Croatian 
Caucus, on the occasion of National Day of the Republic of Croatia, 
June 25, I rise to recognize the significant progress the country of 
Croatia has made in gaining recognition and responsibility within the 
international community since its independence.
  Croatia has come a long way in the last 14 years and has experienced 
a number of important developments in the process. Overcoming the 
legacies of communism and armed aggression, Croatia is now well on the 
path towards full membership in the Euro-Atlantic community. All these 
achievements mark Croatia's successful transition in political and 
economic reforms to a thriving democracy and market economy, as well as 
depicting the Croatian Government's commitment to the rule of law and 
human rights.
  Croatia's strategic objectives to enter NATO and the European Union, 
as well as strengthen and deepen its ties with the United States, are 
the driving forces behind its foreign and security policy, and defense 
reforms. Integration into the Euro-Atlantic Community will enable 
Croatia to assume a more active role within the community of 
democracies that share the same values, principles and interests. 
Active participation by Croatian military personnel in a number of 
peacekeeping operations worldwide, including the NATO-led mission in 
Afghanistan, displays Croatia's credibility as a future NATO member 
state. Furthermore, Croatia has a track record of cooperation with NATO 
allies through the PfP.
  Mr. Speaker, it is clearly in our national interest to encourage 
peace and stability in the region of Southeastern Europe. To this end, 
the role of the Croatian American community and their representatives 
in the nation's capital, as an inherent component of the U.S.-Croatia 
partnership, cannot be overlooked. They represent a vital bridge 
between our two countries in order to strengthen deep historical and 
cultural links between the United States and Croatia since 1783. 
Special recognition should be given to the current Croatian government 
under the leadership of Dr. Ivo Sanader to solidify Croatia's place 
within the community of democratic nations and to move the country 
forward to becoming a model of stability, peace and cooperation 
throughout Southeastern Europe.

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