Croatia made substantial progress in democratic reforms, says Head of OSCE Zagreb Office

ZAGREB, 7 March 2008 - Croatia's recent reform progress has enabled the OSCE to wind down the Mission to Croatia and establish an Office in Zagreb to focus on remaining challenges, said the Head of the Office, Ambassador Jorge Fuentes, at a news conference in Zagreb today.

He said that in the light of the recent successful completion of the OSCE Mission, it was clear that Croatia has made substantial progress in democratic reforms and in strengthening of institutions.

"Strong and responsive institutions are key to, among other things, the protection of human rights and rights of minorities. It was due to this assessment that the Mission to Croatia could be successfully completed after more than 11 years. I would like to congratulate the Croatian Government for its motivation and commitments towards our joint goals," he said.

Ambassador Fuentes presented the latest progress report on Croatia to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday. The report is the first since the closure of the OSCE Mission to Croatia in December and the opening of the OSCE Office in Zagreb.

The report outlines progress made by Croatia over the period from August 2007 to February 2008 on issues covered by the former Mission to Croatia and the newly opened OSCE Office in Zagreb. Matters addressed include refugee return, rule of law and issues concerning minorities and their employment rights covered by the former Mission's Mandate, as well as issues related to the Office's new programmatic areas concerning prosecution of war crimes and housing care, including in the areas of special State concern.

"The Office has noted positive developments in regional judicial co-operation and domestically initiated proceedings, but efforts are still needed to address some unprosecuted war crimes," said Ambassador Fuentes.