Embassy of Croatia

May 10, 2000

On Wednesday, the North Atlantic Council, governing body of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), approved Croatia's s long-standing bid to join the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program.  This invitation comes on the heals of Croatia's recent efforts to expand and deepen its international relations with various Euro-Atlantic economic and security institutions.  Croatia's Foreign Minster, Tonino Picula, will travel to Florence, Italy from May 24-25 to attend the official signing of the PfP Framework Document, formally enabling Croatia's accession into the program.

H.E., Miomir Zuzul, Croatia's Ambassador to the United States, expressed his thoughts about the major development in Croatian foreign policy in a recent statement.  "Since independence, Croatia has pledged itself and its resources toward full Euro-Atlantic integration.  As such, Croatia has made great strides toward creating the environment necessary to become a full and responsible member of institutions like NATO and the European Union.  I am pleased to see that Croatia's efforts have been recognized", said Zuzul.  Prime Minister Ivica Racan also expressed his satisfaction with the decision following the NAC meeting in Brussels stating that "this event is exceptionally significant to Croatia".

In a statement from Brussels, headquarters of NATO, NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson praised Croatia's progress toward western integration and said, "Croatia has now become an example for its neighbors and an inspiration for moderate forces throughout the region.  By promoting peace and stability in the Balkans, Croatia has won its place in the Euro-Atlantic family.  The United States welcomes the decision to invite Croatia to become the newest member of PfP".

The Partnership for Peace Program was created in 1994 to establish cooperation and security partnerships between NATO and former Eastern Bloc countries.  PfP aims to increase regional and global stability by forging viable security alliances in the post-Cold War environment.  Croatia is the 26th member of the Partnership for Peace.