OSCE Chairperson-in-Office visits Croatia

VIENNA, 18 February 2000 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Foreign Minister of Austria Benita Ferraro-Waldner, today paid a one-day visit to Croatia, where she took part in the formal inauguration of the President of Croatia, Stipe Mesic.

The Chairperson-in-Office also had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Croatia Tonino Picula. In connection with this meeting, Ms. Ferraro-Waldner stated that the results of the parliamentary and presidential elections in Croatia show that the country has chosen the right path towards Europe. She also welcomed the programme of the new Croatian government, especially the emphasis on freedom of the media, minority rights and the return of refugees.

Ms. Ferrero-Waldner said she is convinced that Croatia will honor its international commitments, among them the abolition of all forms of ethnic discrimination in the legal system as well as in practice; co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in the Hague; and the implementation of the Dayton Agreement.

The Chairperson-in-Office assured the Foreign Minister of Croatia of her full support for the reform efforts which will lead to a further democratization of the country and to its integration in European and Euro-Atlantic structures.