[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5917-5919]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA ON RECEIVING AN INVITATION TO 
                               JOIN NATO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 2008

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague 
and fellow co-chair of the Croatian Caucus, Congressman Visclosky, to 
congratulate the Republic of Croatia on receiving an invitation to join 
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, at the Alliance's recent 
summit in Bucharest.
  The inclusion of Croatia into NATO has been the highest priority of 
the Congressional Croatian Caucus. I am excited to see a country that 
has demonstrated leadership in the region of southeast Europe in 
implementing comprehensive reforms under Euro-Atlantic integrations 
welcomed into NATO. My Congressional Croatian Caucus co-chair, 
Congressman Peter Visclosky, and I sent letters to the Secretary of 
State and Secretary of Defense last November encouraging the 
administration to express support for this goal.
  This historic event serves as important recognition of Croatia's 
capability to assume responsibilities of NATO membership as well as be 
an effective contributor to collective defense and security. I am fully 
convinced that a vote of confidence by the U.S. through expeditious 
ratification of Croatia's membership into NATO will allow this country 
to be a more valuable ally to the United States and further enhance the 
strategic partnership between our two countries.
  This partnership stems from deep historical and cultural links 
between the U.S. and Croatia, commencing with the recognition of 
America's Independence by the Republic of Dubrovnik in 1783. Since its 
independence, Croatia has made significant progress in achieving 
democracy and undertaking comprehensive political, economic and defense 
reforms on its path to Euro-Atlantic integrations.
  Furthermore, the successful recent visit by President George W. Bush 
to Croatia on April 4-5, 2008, reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-
Croatian relationship and underscored the common values shared by our 
two countries. In this respect, I would like to enter into the Record 
highlights from the speeches delivered by President George W. Bush, 
Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and Prime Minister Dr. Ivo Sanader in 
Zagreb, during the President's recent visit to Croatia on April 4 and 
5, 2008.
  Finally, many individuals have worked very hard to see this important 
invitation come to fruition. I would like to especially thank 
Congressman Visclosky, the multitude of Croatian nationals and Croatian 
Americans for their steadfast commitment to this cause and to 
furthering the U.S.-Croatian partnership.

      President Bush and President Mesic of Croatia, April 4, 2008

       PRESIDENT MESIC: . . . Croatia is a small country with a 
     tradition of statehood which can be traced back to the 
     distant 10th century. However, it has appeared on the 
     political map of the world as an independent country less 
     than 20 years ago. The United States is indisputably the 
     leading world power, and its history spans somewhat more than 
     two centuries. However, in such a relatively short time the 
     United States has given, in two global conflicts, an 
     incalculable contribution to the fight against evil and 
     tyranny, and to the victory of freedom and democracy.
       I shall not spend too many words in reminding you of the 
     many historic ties between our two countries--from the 
     Croatian community in America and Croatian immigrants like 
     the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla, through the fact that 
     Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Croatian Adriatic, then an 
     independent republic, was among the first to recognize the 
     young United States, all the way to our alliance in the war 
     against Nazism and fascism and the cooperation we had in the 
     times when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia. That, as I said, 
     is the past, but a past which must be known and on the 
     foundations of which we must continue to build.
       And what we have to build, however different we may be--in 
     terms of size, strength and potential, occasionally also in 
     terms of views regarding a particular issue--is a world of 
     peace, security and stability, a world of progress and 
     prosperity for all. We have to build mutual trust and 
     appreciation regardless of differences, even in spite of 
     differences. Constructive talk is possible only in conditions 
     of mutual trust, and the idea that all outstanding issues can 
     and must be resolved by negotiation can become reality only 
     on such terms.
       We live in a world encumbered by many problems, and we are 
     faced by many challenges. We can only withstand them 
     together, in a harmonized way, by proceeding

[[Page 5918]]

     from the awareness that problems like global terrorism, 
     regional crises, poverty, global warming and destruction of 
     the environment are problems affecting all of us, perhaps not 
     to the same extent or at the same time; these are 
     indisputably problems affecting every state and we can deal 
     with them, let me repeat, only jointly. Having said that, I 
     certainly have in mind the role which the United Nations can 
     and must play.
       I can note with pleasure that the relations between Croatia 
     and the United States are on the upswing. Let me reiterate a 
     point I have made many times: Croatia offers the hand of 
     friendship to everyone wishing to cooperate with it in 
     conditions of equality and satisfaction of mutual interests.
       I have already mentioned that Croatia is a small country. 
     We need and seek allies and friends throughout the world--
     allies and friends who will wish to cooperate with us while 
     respecting our identity and our special qualities, taking due 
     account of their and our national interests, and proceeding 
     from the fact that a policy based on meeting interests is not 
     inconsistent with a policy relying on certain firm 
     principles. I believe that Croatia can have precisely such an 
     ally and friend in the United States.
       Let me use this opportunity to thank you for the support 
     given by the United States in the achievement of two priority 
     goals of Croatia's foreign policy: accession to the European 
     Union and to NATO. By receiving the invitation for NATO at 
     the recent Bucharest summit we have accomplished a decisive 
     step towards NATO membership. I am also convinced that our 
     negotiations on accession to the European Union will continue 
     successfully after a brief standstill . . .
       PRESIDENT BUSH: . . . We appreciate your gracious 
     hospitality. And we celebrate your invitation to become one 
     of America's closest allies. I--you said you're from a small 
     country. I'm impressed by the big hearts--and the big 
     basketball team.
       We are so proud of our relationship, Mr. President. We 
     share common values. We believe in human rights and human 
     dignity. We believe there's a Creator that has given every 
     man, woman and child on the face of the Earth the great gift 
     of freedom. We believe markets are capable of unleashing the 
     entrepreneurial spirit of our peoples. We understand that 
     freedom requires sacrifice.
       I salute the people of your country for your courage and 
     willingness to help a young democracy in Afghanistan not only 
     thrive but succeed. I appreciate the friends who have stared 
     evil in the face and understand there's a better tomorrow.
       And so, Mr. President, I bring the greetings of my country 
     to your beautiful land . . .
                                  ____


   President Bush and Prime Minister Sanader Addressing the Croatian 
           People on St. Marks Square, Zagreb, April 5, 2008

       PRIME MINISTER SANADER: . . . Today, together with you and 
     the free world, we share the same values of freedom, the 
     right of the people and individuals to live in peace and 
     security, values of democracy and human rights, values of 
     dialogue and mutual respect. Our veterans fought for these 
     values in the homeland war. In the defense of these values, 
     more than 15,000 Croatian citizens died. With their memory in 
     our hearts and our souls, today we express our gratitude to 
     them.
       And on these values, and on the recognition of mutual 
     interest is where we base constant improvement of our 
     relations and Croatian-American friendship, to the benefit of 
     our peoples and our business communities. But also there are 
     broader messages. On these values, the Euro-Atlantic 
     community of freedom, peace, democracy and well-being 
     continues to be built.
       . . . Croatia has made another large step in the 
     realization of the most important goals of our state policy. 
     Dear friends, with the invitation of our country to join 
     NATO, and with the new energy in our negotiations to accede 
     EU, this visit by American President means that the 
     aspirations of many Croatian generations have been fulfilled.
       Our citizens in this important success not only see the 
     realization of goals of those brave patriots, our veterans 
     who defended Croatia in the recent difficult times, but also 
     the century-old-long aspirations of Croatians--people to go 
     back to it to embrace a free democratic world. Our citizens 
     also know that NATO today has supported the values they value 
     and respect. Our negotiations with EU successfully leading to 
     full membership in the next very brief period are also part 
     of the same goal. In brief, Croatia is going where it 
     belongs; Croatia is going back home.
       Mr. President. ladies and gentlemen, the world is still not 
     a totally secure place. Still in many ways, and for many 
     ways, the fundamental civilization values which we share are 
     threatened. They were attacked also on September 11th. They 
     were attacked also in this region. Today they are still 
     threatened in too many places across the world. The Euro-
     Atlantic community also has responsibility in the areas like 
     Afghanistan and Darfur, but also in the resolution of the 
     problems of diseases, poverty, disaster prevention, and other 
     challenges for international security.
       A common understanding of the new nature of global threats 
     for world peace and security, and joint efforts to fight them 
     are the only guarantee of the success, and the only way to 
     continue to build the new international order, the order of 
     cooperation instead of conflict, order of dialogue instead of 
     separation.
       . . . The time in which alliances were against each other 
     are gone. Today the times are where we look for allies along 
     the same most--the highest goals of human civilization, 
     freedom and democracy. Not even peace in our neighborhood in 
     southeast Europe is not full. Here still we need to invest in 
     allies, freedom, democracy and equality. Euro-Atlantic 
     integration of this is the most important, historically 
     irreplaceable goal and incentive.
       Croatia knew how to realize its future even when it seemed 
     to be uncertain. Today we are at the threshold of Atlantic 
     Alliance and European Union. The power of this success 
     encourages us to continue to support our neighbors in their 
     efforts. This is why we are very pleased to have with us the 
     leaders of Albania, Macedonia, Presidents Bamir Topi and 
     Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Ministers Sali Berisha and Nikola 
     Gruevski.
       . . . Mr. President, when I recall your historic speech in 
     Warsaw in 2001, which opened a window of freedom for many 
     countries and peoples, when I see the achievements, when I 
     see how much you still invest in the achievement of lasting 
     peace and stability in southeast Europe, I'm filled with 
     confidence. And I will personally continue to offer my 
     contribution to high common goals of Croatia, U.S.A., Europe 
     and all our most important partners.
       Croatia will--more and more in European Union and NATO, 
     continue its responsible mission in southeast Europe. In 
     matching goals of European Union and NATO, we see additional 
     incentive and space for such action.
       Once again, Mr. President, I thank you for your visit, for 
     your support and for your friendship.
       Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, the President of the 
     United States, George Bush.
       PRESIDENT BUSH: . . . The United States appreciates the 
     leadership you have shown in the cause of freedom. We're 
     pleased Albania and Croatia have been invited to join NATO. 
     And we look forward to Macedonia taking its place very soon 
     in this great alliance for freedom.
       Laura, who has joined me today, and I are proud to stand on 
     the soil of an independent Croatia. Our countries are 
     separated by thousands of miles, but we're united by a deep 
     belief in God and the blessings of liberty He gave us. And 
     today, on the edge of the great Adriatic, we stand together 
     as one free people.
       Croatia is a very different place than it was just a decade 
     ago. The Croatian people have overcome war and hardship to 
     build peaceful relations with your neighbors, and to build a 
     maturing democracy in one of the most beautiful countries on 
     the face of the Earth. Americans admire your courage and 
     admire your persistence. And we look forward to welcoming you 
     as a partner in NATO.
       The invitation to join NATO that Croatia and Albania 
     received this week is a vote of confidence that you will 
     continue to make necessary reforms and become strong 
     contributors to our great Alliance. Henceforth, should any 
     danger threaten your people, America and the NATO Alliance 
     will stand with you, and no one will be able to take your 
     freedom away.
       I regret that NATO did not extend an invitation to 
     Macedonia at this week's summit. Macedonia has made difficult 
     reforms at home, and is making major contributions to NATO 
     missions abroad. Unfortunately, Macedonia's invitation was 
     delayed because of a dispute over its name. In Bucharest, 
     NATO allies declared that as soon as this issue is resolved, 
     Macedonia will be extended an invitation to join the 
     Alliance. America's position is clear: Macedonia should take 
     its place in NATO as soon as possible.
       . . . The people of this region know what the gift of 
     liberty means. You know the death and destruction that can be 
     caused by the followers of radical ideologies. You know that, 
     in a long run, the only way to defeat a hateful ideology is 
     to promote the hopeful alternative of human freedom. And that 
     is what our nations are doing today in the Middle East. The 
     lack of freedom and opportunity in that region has given aid 
     and comfort to the lies and ambitions of violent extremists. 
     Resentments that began on the streets of the Middle East have 
     resulted in the killing innocent people across the world. A 
     great danger clouds the future of all free men and women, and 
     this danger sits at the doorstep of Europe.
       Together the people of this region are helping to confront 
     this danger. Today soldiers from Croatia, Albania, and 
     Macedonia are serving bravely in Afghanistan--helping the 
     Afghan people defeat the terrorists and secure their future 
     of liberty. Forces from Albania and Macedonia are serving in 
     Iraq--where they're helping the Iraqi people build a society 
     that rejects terror and lives in freedom. It's only a matter 
     of time before freedom takes root across that troubled 
     region. And when it does, millions will remember

[[Page 5919]]

     the people of your nation stood with them in their hour of 
     need.
       At this great moment in history, you have a vital role. 
     There are many people who don't appear to understand why it 
     takes so long to build a democracy. You can tell them how 
     hard it is to put in place a new and complex system of 
     government for the first time. There are those who actually 
     wonder if people were better off under their old tyranny. You 
     can tell them that freedom is the only real path to 
     prosperity and security and peace. And there are those who 
     ask whether the pain and sacrifices for freedom are worth the 
     costs. And they should come to Croatia. And you can show them 
     that freedom is worth fighting for.
       The great church in this square has stood since the Middle 
     Ages. Over the centuries, it has seen long, dark winters of 
     occupation and tyranny and war. But the spring is here at 
     last. This is an era in history that generations of Croatians 
     have prayed for. It is an era that Pope John Paul the Second 
     envisioned when he came to this land, and prayed with the 
     Croatian people, and asked for ``a culture of peace.'' Today 
     in this square, before this great church, we can now proudly 
     say: Those prayers have been answered.
       May you always remember the joy of this moment in your 
     history. And may the hopeful story of a peaceful Croatia find 
     its way to those in the world who live as slaves. and still 
     await a joyful spring.
       May God bless Croatia. And thank you for coming.

                          ____________________