Statement by Mr. Tomislav Vidošević

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration

Republic of Croatia

On the occasion of the signing of the Proliferation Security Initiative Shipboarding Agreement between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America

Washington, DC

Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Mr. Assistant Secretary of State [Stephen G. Rademaker], Mr. Ambassador, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is my distinct pleasure and honor to sign this agreement today on behalf of my government.  This agreement is evidence of the excellent relations between our two countries.

            The Republic of Croatia, within the framework of setting the priorities of its internal and foreign policy, desires to be actively engaged in the process of strengthening our collective security as a factor of stability in the region, Europe and on the global level. 

            Croatia recognizes, along with the United States, that international terrorism is one of the major evils of our time and a serious threat to the development of democracy and freedom in the world.  This is one of the fundamental reasons why the Republic of Croatia recognized the Proliferation Security Initiative, launched by U.S. President George W. Bush two years ago, as a valuable and significant initiative, and desires to strengthen our partnership through activities within the Proliferation Security Initiative.

            A concrete example of success in this field is the case of the Boka Star, which confirmed the readiness, resolve, and capability of the Republic of Croatia to meet the challenges of preventing terrorism.

            In cooperation with the United States and our partners in the region and Europe, we are ready to respond to all the challenges and deepen our engagement on the basis of better and more effective cooperation.

            We value highly the doctrine outlined by President Bush of preventive measures as the best way of securing the development of democracy and freedom.