Statement by Parliamentary Assembly President on visit to Croatia

ZAGREB, 13 January 1999 - The president of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Helle Degn MP, made the following statement at the end of her 3-day visit to the Republic of Croatia:

In my capacity as President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly - representing more than 300 parliamentarians from 54 participating OSCE states - I have paid a three-day visit to the Republic of Croatia.

In Zagreb, I met with representatives of different political parties, with Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jadranka Kosor, Minister of Interior Ivan Penic, Foreign Minister Mate Granic, Minister for European Integration Ljerka Mintas-Hodak, Minister of Justice Milan Ramljak and other government officials. I also visited the Danube Region where I met with local authorities and citizens.

In my various meetings, I was able to have frank discussions on a number of major issues, including: reconciliation and the return process, the electoral law and the media situation.

Regarding reconciliation and return: For as long as up to five families leave the Danube Region every day, I think there is a real problem. I myself could witness the feelings of insecurity and uncertainty in this Region. Reconciliation committees have been established at all levels, but most of them are not functioning. Up till now there seems to be no real commitment to reconciliation. While there is no doubt that the Croatian Government has worked to improve the situation in the Danube Region, very often the efforts and intentions are not reflected in a practical way on the ground. Meeting in Vukovar with Croat and Serb families I also witnessed how difficult it is to obtain timely action by the judiciary and other authorities in line with their rights as citizens. There is no doubt in my mind that without the OSCE presence in the field, the situation would be worse.

As to the electoral legislation: all my discussion partners assured me that an agreement can be reached on the necessary reforms well in advance of the next election. I very much hope that this will be done.

Regarding the media: the condition of the State TV is still a matter of great concern. I am informed that the State TV does not reflect the real range of political views and experiences in Croatia. Sometimes, I am told, the programmes encourage misunderstanding and intolerance. I do support the recommendations to reform the State Television that have come from the Mission here and from the Council of Europe.

In conclusion, let me say that the Government of Croatia has had the opportunity to present the situation here to me and my delegation over three days. The overall impression at the end of my visit is that Croatian society has great potential, and that the President and the Government have great responsibilities.

For further information contact: Mr. Jan Jooren, Press Councellor of the OSCE PA, tel + 45 33 32 94 00; mobile + 45 21 60 63 80; Mr. Mark Thompson, Spokesman, OSCE Mission to the Republic of Croatia, tel + 385 1 3096 620