CROATIA & USA - 1996 AND BEYOND Forging the Special Relationship   Croatian President Dr. Franjo Tudman with U.S. President Bill Clinton at the White House on August 2, 1996. (White House photo.) When Croatian President Franjo Tudjman first came to Washington, DC as head of a burgeoning democracy in September 1990, he addressed the National Press Club, stressing that: "American liberal democracy has inspired entire generations of political thinkers, authors of constitutions, politicians and statesmen. With gratitude, I admit that it has influenced me as well." Six years later, during his official working visit to the United States, President Tudjman met with U.S. President Clinton at the White House to discuss Croatia's reincorporation into the Western community of nations, strengthening the friendly relations forged through the implementation of the Dayton Accords, the peaceful reintegration of Eastern Slavonia, and Croatian support for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.      The contrast between the two events-one being a call for assistance in strengthening democracy and supporting Croatian independence, and the other a bilateral meeting of Heads of States-best exemplifies the formidable and challenging route of Croatia's drive toward recognition and acceptance by the international community. The relationship between President Tudjman and President Clinton, having met seven times previously, is of significant importance because it has grown out of a mutual desire for peace and a recognition that Croatia's contribution to the future stability and prosperity of our region is and will continue to be paramount.      In the early stages of the first Clinton Administration, President Tudjman wrote to him about the importance of NATO troops, led by the United States, engaging to help solve the crisis in Southeastern Europe. The failure of the United Nations in Croatia, the appalling war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the disunity of the international community were all clear signals to far-sighted and responsible statesmen that concrete action should be taken.      The two statesmen, clearly grasping this historic moment to bring peace and permanent stability to the region of Central and Southeastern Europe, established a close and constructive working relationship. Despite the scope of problems and the challenges they faced, Presidents Tudjman and Clinton quickly achieved a high degree of understanding and cooperation on all strategic issues.      As a result of this cooperation, in less than six years of Croatian- U.S. relations, great accomplishments have been achieved, including: the war and aggression against Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have ended; the Washington and Dayton  accords have been signed, marking a watershed in future security arrangements in Central and Southeastern Europe; NATO troops were deployed, providing Croatia a unique opportunity to establish close cooperation with the most successful alliance in history; and very soon, Croatia will peacefully regain its full territorial integrity.      None of this would have been possible without the leadership role of the United States and especially that of President Clinton. President Tudjman and the entire Croatian people recognize that fact. Vivid proof of the recognition of the U.S. role in bringing peace to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina was President Clinton's visit to Croatia on January 13, 1996. His words of support have widely been appreciated: "It's wonderful to be here in Zagreb and Croatia. And I thank you for making me feel so welcome . . . I come here to thank President Tudjman and the people of Croatia for supporting the peace process in Bosnia. I come to support not only the peace process, but the Federation in Bosnia between the Muslims and the Croats, the peaceful agreement for the return of Croatian lands in Eastern Slavonia and the ultimate partnership of Croatia with not only the United States, but with other Western nations who believe in freedom and human rights and democracy and peace and progress, working together."      As President Tudjman rightfully put it, "respect for every individual as a person of unique and irreplaceable value, as well as respect for human liberty and independence" are the basic foundations of the independent and democratic Croatia. It is not surprising that these are the very same values shared by the United States and the entire Western world. The United States, under the leadership of President Clinton, has understood that Croatia's reintegration into the Western community of nations is both the best way to honor Croatia's commitment to peace and democracy, as well as to ensure a stable international order in Central and Southeastern Europe.      The official working visit of President Tudjman to Washington, DC in August 1996 represented another milestone in Croatian-U.S. relations. It was evident from that visit that the United States recognized the extremely prominent role of both President Tudjman and the Republic of Croatia in bringing about positive changes in Central and Southeastern Europe. Between our two countries there are converging views on all strategic issues, and dialogue and discussions are continuing in the search for effective ways to comprehensively deal with some of the complex issues in the Dayton Accords.      The results of the tireless efforts of Presidents Tudjman and Clinton regarding the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords, the peaceful reintegration of Eastern Slavonia, the strengthening of the Croat-Bosniak Federation and the cooperation with the International War Crimes Tribunal are clearly visible. Still, there remains both the need and willingness to do more, and we are confident that the current period will be crucial in making additional progress in those areas. President Tudjman and the Republic of Croatia are prepared to do all that is necessary to achieve the self-sustainability of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, Croatia is fully committed to cooperating with the War Crimes Tribunal, including giving its full support for the efforts of the United States to establish special forces for arresting indicted war criminals.      In a recent statement, recalling their mutual cooperation, President Clinton said of President Tudjman: "We have come a long way in bringing peace to the region and in creating the conditions for a strong, independent and unified Croatia to take its place among the Western family of nations. Your personal leadership over the past two years has been absolutely critical to ending the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and laying the foundations for lasting peace and reconciliation."      The Republic of Croatia will continue to remain firmly committed to the spirit and letter of the Washington and Dayton Accords, as President Tudjman stated, "wishing to be a factor of stability and a permanent partner of the United States of America in the promotion of peace and stability in our part of Europe."