Washington, May 4 -The United States House of Representatives International Relations Committee unanimously adopted H.Con.Res. 251,  voicing support to Croatia's accession into NATO's Partnership for Peace program and the World Trade Organization.

    The resolution was submitted by Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA) who, at the mark-up session, explained the reason why the U.S. Government should excel their efforts in Croatia's joining Partnership for Peace and the WTO.
"This is great news for Croatia", Radanovich told Voice of America, adding that he believed Croatia's cooperation with the U.S. during last year's Kosovo conflict and this year's free and fair elections in Croatia was crucial.
The U.S. continues to promote the advancement of relations with Croatia in economic, political and military fields, and welcomes Croatia as a partner in the cause of stability and democratization in South Central Europe, according to the resolution.

    At the end of the mark-up session, House International Relations Committee Chairman, Benjamin Gilman (R-NY), congratulated the people of Croatia on democratic elections and stated that the U.S. should strongly support the new government of Croatia and its efforts to bring Croatia into transantlantic associations.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, Michael Gesd, expressed the Administration's support for Congressman Radanovich's resolution and added that the U.S. welcomes Croatia as a political partner.