Croatia & USA

Croatia and the United States established diplomatic relations in August 1992, and the Croatian Embassy in Washington, DC was officially opened by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman in March of 1994, at the time of the signing of the Washington Agreement. This historic agreement, by providing a strategic political framework for the equitable co-existence of the Croat and Bosniak nations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, paved the way to comprehensive peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Based upon the key Croatian U.S. cooperation in forging the Dayton Accords_largely enabled by both the Croatian military successes on the ground and by Croatia's willingness to reach, and abide by, difficult compromises - Croatian-U.S. relations acquired a new dimension, that of partnership. In the past six years, the United States has proved its commitment to the sovereignty of the Croatian State and to the welfare of the Croatian people in numerous ways; Croatians have confidence in America and American leadership.

 During 1996, we witnessed further expansion and strengthening of our relations, as evidenced by the visit of Secretary of State Warren Christopher to Zagreb in February of 1996, the visit of Foreign Minister Mate Granic to Washington in May of 1996, and other high-level meetings among Croatian and U.S. dignitaries. The strides made in our economic and trade relations, educational and cultural exchanges, as well as in the field of strategic and military cooperation further underscored the strong bilateral relationship between Croatia and the United States.

 Key elements of Croatia's foreign policy

When Minister Granic met Secretary Christopher in May of 1996, he outlined overall foreign policy goals of the Republic of Croatia, which include:

•  peaceful reintegration of Croatia's Danubian region;
•  gradual-but-full integration and participation in western institutions;
•  implementation of the Washington and Dayton Accords;
•  support for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
•  cooperation with the International War Crimes Tribunal;
•  stable partnership with the United States and good and balanced relations with other countries;
•  good relations with its neighbors;
•  encouragement of direct foreign investment and international trade, and
•  full participation in the political, economic, cultural and social life of Central Europe.

 As the record of steady accomplishments during the past year demonstrate, all of these goals are realistic. Clearly, the Republic of Croatia welcomes U.S. support for the attainment of its foreign policy goals. Further economic transition and the development of democratic institutions and mechanisms in Croatia remain important considerations for maintaining U.S. support in the future. We understand that the more effort Croatia places in solidifying its position as a responsible regional power, the more serious and committed the U.S. interest in Croatia is likely to be. Croatia is devoted to promoting this role as a regional, Central European leader in various areas (e.g., tourism, transportation, communications, pharmaceuticals, vocational and post-graduate education, arts). Croatia intends to benefit from its geographic position, cultural assets, professional and well trained labor force and established tradition of excellence in certain industries and services by providing the site for regional or European centers for business, cultural and academic excellence.

 Croatia's key foreign policy objectives regarding the U.S.

In short, the primary foreign policy objective of the Republic of Croatia remains deepening and broadening the special relationship with the United States. More specifically, we seek strong U.S. support for the following policy priorities: completion of the peaceful reintegration of the Croatian Danubian region, including post-war reconstruction and return of displaced persons and refugees; participation in transatlantic security institutions; implementation of the Dayton peace process, and trade with U.S. and direct investment by U.S. companies in Croatia.

U.S. interests and policy objectives regarding Croatia

For some time now, the implementation of the Dayton Accords has constituted one of the most important factors in U.S. relations with Croatia. However, we believe that this specific interest should not be confused with broader U.S. interests regarding Croatia, which may be described as follows: having a reliable partner in attaining and maintaining regional stability; ensuring Croatia's speedy transition to a full market economy; promoting further development of democracy in Croatia and Central Europe.

All these goals can best be achieved by bringing Croatia within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance, and other European systems and the European Union. This objective is entirely consistent with U.S. efforts to: (a) expand a reformed NATO, eventually to include all central European countries; (b) maintain America's leadership and economic position in this part of Europe, and (c) combat transborder trade in narcotics, nuclear proliferation and international terrorism.
 By comparing the overall Croatian and U.S. foreign policy goals, we can see a large degree of overlapping interests. The U.S. supports Croatia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Likewise, the U.S. supports Croatia's continuing efforts toward developing a modern state, polity and economy, and its role as a constructive factor in regional and European stability and security.

 In this respect, Croatia's compliance with the Dayton Accords remains of utmost importance to the health of our bilateral relations, and the quality of support we can expect within the international community from the preeminent world power. So far, both U.S. and Croatian policies have been realistic, while trust has been measured by the degree of openness, predictability and responsiveness in managing difficulties on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Croatian Danubian region.

 Croatia's goal of opening and fully integrating not only its reconstruction-based market, but also, other growth markets into the European and world markets is fully consistent with U.S. policy objectives. Given Croatia's western tradition and values, U.S. support for further development of democracy is fully consistent with Croatia's own goals of strengthening the institutions of democratic governance. The universal values of limited government, the rule of law, the protection of human and civil rights and freedoms, including the protection of minority rights, have all been incorporated into the Croatian Constitution and carried out in the past six years under the post-aggression conditions of utmost societal hardship. Croatia will persevere in its quest for a full-fledged political and economic democracy because this is the fundamental choice and a solemn goal of its people. In doing so, we draw inspiration from America, the world's most vibrant, powerful and responsible democracy.

Looking Forward

While in Zagreb, Secretary Christopher recognized and articulated the current state of optimism in Croatia:
This is certainly a time for Croatia to begin to reap the benefits of peace, to become more integrated into the international community. I want to assure President Tudjman and the people of Croatia that you will have the support of America as you assume your enormous obligations, and also the possibility of considerable benefits of integration into the Western world (Zagreb, February 2, 1996).

 During the upcoming year, Croatia looks forward to reaping the benefits of peace, including speedy privatization and economic growth, and return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes upon the peaceful reintegration of Eastern Slavonia.
 The upcoming general elections in April, including elections in the Eastern Slavonia, represent a long-awaited step towards both a symbolic and an effective closure of the most probing period of our young state. It is time for all Croatian citizens to begin a healing process, join together and enjoy the fruits of peace and freedom. It is our hope that Croatian Serbs in Eastern Slavonia will remain and enjoy the benefits of Croatian citizenship. Croatia is a beautiful, but small country, and values the contribution of her citizens; all are invited to participate in the post-war rebuilding and development of the economy and democracy.

 During 1997, we are convinced that the established framework of Croatian-U.S. relations will continue to be characterized by
a joint desire to build a democratic, secure, and market-oriented society that will be a strong partner in European and transatlantic institutions.