REMARKS BY

HIS EXCELLENCY NEVEN JURICA

THE APPOINTED AMBASSADOR

OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA UPON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF

HIS LETTER OF CREDENCE

His Excellency Mr. George W. Bush

President of the United States of America

The White House

Washington, D.C.

Mr. President,

            It is a great honor for me to present to You my credentials and to serve  as the Croatian Ambassador to Your great, strong and proud nation – a nation that selflessly works towards the creation of a better and more secure world.

            Allow me, Mr. President, to also present to You my predecessor’s letter of recall, who served in a time when the United States, under Your leadership, resolutely extended freedom in the world.

            In submitting my credentials, I would also like to convey to You the assurances of the highest consideration and friendship of the President of the Republic of Croatia Stjepan Mesic and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Dr. Ivo Sanader, who with his Government’s policy has proven his tireless dedication to our shared ideals and values.

            During our most difficult time, when Croatia was gaining its independence and fighting for freedom, peace and prosperity, the American people and the American Government provided immeasurable assistance. The Croatian people will never forget this gesture of friendship, for it is built into the very foundations of our freedom.

            Croatia today is a reliable member of the great Antiterrorist Coalition led by the United States. We are impressed, Mr. President, with the efforts You are undertaking to make the world a place in which our children can grow in security and peace. Towards this aim, all free nations should spare no effort. Let me assure You that the United States can always rely on Croatia’s partnership and full engagement in the global war on terrorism. Prime Minister Dr. Ivo Sanader has already expressed his full openness and readiness for closer cooperation with the United States in providing assistance to the Transition Government in Iraq and in extending Croatia’s engagement in Afghanistan. Croatia today is an active participant in many international stabilization and peace operations.

            Croatia wishes to become a member of NATO and we expect a continuation of the United States’ support towards this goal. The open door policy, which is being applied to our country, was an incentive for the Croatian Government to complete necessary and needed reforms. These reforms were not only necessary to pass through the open door, but also to extend security and stability in our region. The Croatian Government is convinced that the enlargement of NATO in South Eastern Europe is a vital contribution to permanent stability in that part of Europe. We therefore consider the framework of the US-Adriatic Charter extremely important. We will not tire where regional cooperation is concerned.

            As part of a modern and democratic Europe the Croatian Government shares the ideal of a Europe whole and free, which is also the unwavering position of the United States. We were therefore encouraged last June when the European Union granted Croatia candidate status for membership in the European Union, and determined the date for the beginning of accession negotiations. This is a milestone for our country and a huge incentive for neighboring South Eastern European countries to follow Croatia’s path with even greater intensity.

            The Government of the Republic of Croatia is prepared and ready to provide all necessary assistance to these countries. A truly free and whole Europe, which You have also been working tirelessly to achieve, can not exist if such an important part of Europe remains on the margins of this integration process. In sharing this European vision with the United States, we know and we are convinced that there is no alternative to transatlantic cooperation.

            Mr. President, the Croatian Government is fully open to the return of all of its citizens, to the right of property return, and to continued cooperation with the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). In regards to the latter, we are providing all necessary assistance, much needed reconciliation and confidence providing measures. Our actions in recent months have provided ample proof of this. Croatian citizens are deeply devoted to democratic values.

            I am pleased that I can inform You that the United States is among Croatia’s most important trading partners. Last year our trade exchange amounted to $550 million, and we would like to further increase our trade and commerce, as well as to attract a new wave of American investment in our country. Consequently, we need to portray a clear picture of Croatia to current and potential American partners. I am confident in stating that Croatia is a country of great potential and opportunities.

            There are more than 2 million Americans of Croatian origin living in the United States. They immigrated to this beautiful country over several generations. They have accepted American values and have become permanently and strongly devoted to American ideals. They have, together with many others, contributed to the success and prosperity of American society. They have also steadily and dedicatedly worked to deepen, extend and strengthen political, economic and cultural relations between our two countries. These American-Croatians are one of the strongest pillars of friendship and partnership between our two countries and peoples.

            Mr. President, as the Croatian Ambassador to the United States, I will work to the best of my abilities to further deepen friendship between Croatia and the United States, and to strengthen cooperation and the genuine strategic partnership between our two countries.

            Thank you, Mr. President.