OSCE important partner during Croatia's transformation from war-torn country into stable democracy, prime minister says

VIENNA, 10 July 2007 - The OSCE's support was crucial as Croatia recovered from war and developed into the stable democracy it is now, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader told the Organization's Permanent Council today.

"Our co-operation with the OSCE was extremely important and helpful in institution building, in dealing with transition issues and in enhancing the democratic environment," he said.

"The OSCE played a key role in post-conflict rehabilitation in our region, promoting the comprehensive concept of regional security, which also includes protection of human rights and minority rights, democratization of society and the rule of law, support for the development of civil society and NGOs, and strengthening tolerance and non-discrimination."

Croatia became an OSCE participating State 15 years ago, and the Organization opened its Mission to Croatia in Zagreb 11 years ago.

Prime Minister Sanader said his country expects to have completed all the work needed for the OSCE Mission to Croatia to close by the end of the year.

"The engagement of the OSCE Mission beyond 2007, after 11 years of co-operation, would not be necessary. My Government is offering full and verifiable guarantees for the fulfilment of the remaining obligations," he told the Permanent Council, the 56-country OSCE's main, regular decision-making body.

Prime Minister Sanader also said that Croatia's foreign policy is based on regional co-operation of the kind promoted by the OSCE.

"Guided by the dedication to effective multilateralism and international rule of law, we strongly support all initiatives of the OSCE, from those related to security, military, human rights and freedoms, democracy and rule of law, to those related to economic and environmental issues," he said.