11 May 2000
(Development recognizes new Croatian government's achievements) (320) Croatia will officially join NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) at the North Atlantic Council (NAC) ministerial later this month in Florence, Italy. The State Department welcomed the development, which "comes in recognition of the significant achievements of the new Croatian government in advancing regional peace and stability, democracy and human rights." Following is the State Department text: (begin text) U.S. State Department Office of the Spokesman May 10, 2000 STATEMENT BY PHILIP REEKER, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN CROATIA INVITED TO JOIN THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE The United States welcomes the decision of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) May 10 to accept the Republic of Croatia's application to join NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). These steps are expected to occur when Croatia signs the PfP Framework Document at the May 24-25 NAC Ministerial in Florence. Croatia would thereby become the 46th member of the EAPC, composed of Allies and Partners, and the 26th member of the PfP. This important event in Croatia's integration into the Euro-Atlantic community comes in recognition of the significant achievement of the new Croatian government in advancing regional peace and stability, democracy and human rights. Secretary Albright reiterated our support for the reforms Croatia has undertaken during her visit to Zagreb in February to attend President Mesic's inauguration. We agree with the remark of NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson that, "by turning it back on nationalist rhetoric and policies, Croatia has now become an example for its neighbors and an inspiration for moderate forces throughout the region." We look forward to working closely with Croatia as it takes its rightful place in the democratic community of nations. (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)