OSCE Mission to Croatia welcomes start of membership talks with EU

ZAGREB, 6 October 2005 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia has offered his congratulations to the Republic of Croatia on the start of membership talks with the European Union (EU).

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, Ambassador Jorge Fuentes, Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, said that the opening of negotiations was one of the most important decisions for the country since the declaration of its independence on 8 October 1991.

"Croatia has crossed the threshold and entered into negotiations with the EU. Although there is still a long way to go and a lot of work ahead, I am confident that Croatia will show determination and hard work in fulfilling all prerequisites for EU membership," stated the Ambassador.

Emphasising that although fewer than half of the participating states of the OSCE belonged to the EU, the Mission plays an important role in assisting Croatia in its democratization process and in fulfilling its international aspirations.

"From refugee return to the monitoring of war crimes trials and assisting Croatia in reforming its media legislation, the Mission will continue providing advice and guidance to the Government on goals important to both the EU and OSCE," added Ambassador Fuentes.

The OSCE Mission today commemorated the Helsinki Final Act, one of the most significant diplomatic legacies of the 20th century. It marked the start of a process which would eventually see the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe help to break down the barriers of mistrust between East and West and evolve into an international organization - the OSCE.

Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and representatives of the 55 OSCE participating states attended the ceremony at the Mission's headquarters in Zagreb.