Croatian Embassy Convenes Meeting With the NFCA and CAA

Washington, D.C., December 11 – Ambassador Neven Jurica convened a meeting at the Embassy with representatives of two leading Croatian American community agencies, the Croatian American Association (CAA), and the National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA). The meeting was attended by NFCA President Ed Andrus, NFCA Vice President Steve Rukavina, NFCA Treasurer Zvonko Labas and the President of the Illinois Chapter of the CAA, Tony Peraica.

The meeting provided an opportunity for a constructive and open exchange of ideas and information as to how to expand present economic, political and cultural relations between Croatia and the U.S. Ambassador Jurica expressed sincere appreciation for the support of the Croatian American community and the efforts of the CAA and NFCA to date. The Ambassador was also briefed on ongoing preparations for the establishment of a Croatian Congressional Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, to be officially launched in early 2005. Under the leadership of Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) and Rep. Peter J. Visclosky (D-IN), the Caucus will serve as an important vehicle in advancing issues of mutual interest for Croatia and the U.S.

The CAA and NFCA underscored their commitment to work with each other in advocating key foreign policy priorities for Croatia: NATO membership, repositioning Croatia as a success story and to increase U.S. investment and tourism in Croatia.