CROATIA

PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

STATEMENT BY

H.E. TONINO PICULA

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Year after year we gather under this universal roof to join our minds and resources in order to make the world a safer and more prosperous place. Or at least a little less burdened with all the troubles we are trying to resolve for decades but have not succeeded so far. Never before have we ever assembled in such numbers and extent in the span of just a few weeks- first the religious leaders, then the Parliamentarians, then the Heads of States or Governments, and finally the delegates of the 55th General Assembly session. Let us hope that this unprecedented congregation shall not remain just a tribute to the dawn of 21st century, but will emerge as a foundation for better United Nations and a better world it has to serve.

When our Heads of States met at the Millennium Summit earlier this month, they unanimously agreed on the importance of the United Nations for our common future. To say that the United Nations is the only organization that gathers all the countries of the world would be stating the obvious. But we must never underestimate the simple fact that this is the only global organization with universal membership and comprehensive scope, that indeed belongs to all of us- to all the peoples of the world. This is where the ultimate strength of the United Nations lies.
Unfortunately too many times we failed to recognize this.

Some haunting facts should not be forgotten. The fact that one billion people in this world of ours live on less than a dollar a day. The fact that one billion people do not have access to clean water. The fact that the last time the number of Security Council members had been expanded was nearly four decades ago, at the time when the overall United Nations' membership had been almost half of its today's size.

The United Nations must amount to be more than a resolution or a decision, a plenary meeting or informal consultations. We all have to work together, to spare no effort so as to make the Organization more proficient, more effective and fully at the disposal of all its member states. That is why Croatia welcomes the Millennium Report of the Secretary-General and shares his views on the need for an enforced action to adapt the functioning of the Organization to the challenges of the new century. There is a growing need and plenty of room for improvement along the lines of efficiency, transparency, equality and good governance; there is no room for excuses or for delaying reforms any further. The time for reform is now.

Croatia has been an active member of the Organization since its international recognition as a sovereign state in the early nineties. At that time, in spite of all our activities, Croatia was primarily object of numerous peacekeeping operations and endless debates within the Security Council. Today, Croatia is a major generator of peace and stability in South-East Europe, an active promoter and facilitator of democracy in the region, a reliable partner and a member of numerous regional organizations and initiatives. We have not forgotten the difficult years when Croatia was on the receiving end of United Nations activities. Today we stand ready to put our expertise gained in the peacekeeping and other fields to the service of peace and democracy.

The experience from the homeland war, as well as the lessons learned during peacekeeping operations in Croatia have served us well in Croatia's active engagement in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone. We are ready to expand our role in peacekeeping and to actively participate in its conceptual development.

The steady number of regional crises engulfing the world calls for appropriate international response and coordinated action to end the violence and human suffering worldwide. Therefore, the role of the United Nations will remain crucial and the reform of the peacekeeping necessary. Croatia welcomes and will carefully study the recently published report of the Secretary-General on the reform of peace operations and the recommendations proposed.

Unfortunately, the number of incidents with tragic consequences involving members of peace missions all over the world is constantly increasing. Just few days ago three members of the UNHCR office in Atambua in East Timor were brutally killed. One of them was Pero Simundza a citizen of Croatia. I would like to use this opportunity to pay the tribute to him personally, and to all peacekeepers whose tireless efforts cost them lives in performing their noble tasks in the line of duty.

Mr President, Excellencies,

Croatia is currently a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the central body of the United Nations, which deals with the social and economic issues, cultural educational, health and related matters, as well as international environment and human rights. The increasing development of ECOSOC as a forum for policy dialogue, together with its follow up dimesion of the major world conferences, adds important value to its work and puts a heavy workload on its members. For Croatia, the membership in that expert body brings new responsibilities.

Croatia's role in the United Nations has substantially evolved in the last decade. If we look backwards we can agree that the country has proved itself under challenging circumstances and demonstrated its commitment to the United Nations system as a whole. The new Croatia will certainly expand the extent of its international engagement and stands determined to assume new responsibilities in the world affairs

Mr President, Excellencies,

Croatia's international responsibilities start with those towards the region of South East Europe At the January elections, citizens of Croatia demonstrated their strong commitment towards democratic values, respect for human and minority rights, rule of law and economic reforms. They opted for broad changes that will bring them in the mainstream of the European integration processes; The changes that shall enhance the quality of their lives and ensure the bright future for their children.

The new Croatian Government is well aware of all the responsibilities it has undertaken and all the opportunities that are arising. We firmly believe that Croatia's leading role as a contributor to peace and security in the region of the South East Europe shall considerably contribute to turning this part of Europe into an area of peace and prosperity.

In February, the Croatian Government adopted its Program which as its primary goals underlines democratic values, respect for human and minority rights, return of refugees and displaced persons, good neighborly relations and integration into the European Union and NATO. New Government is determined to fulfill all Croatia's ongoing international commitments, and to assume new ones, if the need shall arise.

The elections in Croatia at the beginning of this year have resulted in important changes. They provided for increased level of human rights protection, media freedom, as well as the acceleration of the return process. Important legislative revision that had been made in the field of the return of refugees has opened the door for unimpeded return of all Croatian citizens, regardless of their ethnicity and without condition of reciprocity. All the citizens of Croatia stand equal before the law in terms of the reconstruction of their houses and all other return related rights. The Government of Croatia will do its best to fully implement those laws.

Croatia is mindful of the fact that the return of refugees represents a necessary prerequisite for the lasting stability in the region. In order to accelerate the process of return, the Croatian Government, in cooperation with the UNHCR, has prepared a special return project for 16.500 persons, tailored to their needs. The necessary arrangements for the return of refugees to both Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are to be performed through central institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in line with the new Croatian policy towards that country. Additionally, to speed up the process of two-way return with Republika Srpska, former Prime Minister of the Republika Srpska and myself have signed the Joint Declaration on the facilitation of the return of refugees. Through this document we have committed ourselves to enable the return of 2000 people from each side, as well as to exchange information and adjust procedures in that regard. I can proudly say that the real progress in the return process has been achieved.

At the same time, I have to stress that the number of returns to Croatia by far exceeds the number of returns of Croats to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additional efforts have to be invested to speed up the return process of Croats and all others to Bosnia and Herzegovina. All the refugees have the right to return, but they also have a right to stay in the areas where they presently reside. For all those Bosnian Croats who wish to stay in Croatia, we have to provide appropriate help in finding new housing facilities.

The success of the return of refugees does not depend solely on political and legal parameters. It has to be accompanied with the development of the state and local economy. The return process must be sustained by the job opportunities, small and medium size enterprises, strengthening of the social fabric, adequate schools and health institutions, as well as better living conditions generally. Otherwise, we shall just turn returnees into economic migrants and they shall be on the road once again.

Not a small part of legislative changes relates to the protection of human and minority rights in Croatia. This, for instance, includes amendments to the Constitutional Law on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and on the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic and National Communities and Minorities.

Consequently, bearing all this in mind, the Croatian Government is of the opinion that the necessary preconditions have been met for excluding Croatia from the omnibus resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia and Federal Republic of Yugoslavia which has been continuously adopted by both the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights and for the exclusion of Croatia from the mandate of the Special Rapporteur derived from the aforesaid Commission's resolution. It is Croatia's strong view that the human rights situation in the three respective countries covered by the mandate of the Special Rapporteur is incomparable in each and every way, and that it should be examined separately, ie. on its own merits.

The level of human rights protection in Croatia has improved considerably in all aspects. In evaluating this one has to take into account necessary legislative changes, but also the level of cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, particularly through Agreement on Technical Co-operation on Human Rights in Croatia, as well as its co-operation with other international organizations in the field of human rights (such as Council of Europe and OSCE).

The important recognition of progress Croatia has made in respecting fundamental values of democracy human rights and rule of law, came recently from the Council of Europe. Monitoring Committee of its Parliamentary Assembly concluded last Friday that Croatia has honored its obligations and most of its commitments undertaken at the time of its accession to the Council of Europe in 1996. Consequently, we expec that the monitoring procedure will be formally closed at the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly at the end of this month.

For the Croatian Government, the cooperation with the International Tribunal in the Hague remains primarily a legal issue, not a political one.

The Croatian State Parliament has adopted the Declaration on Co-operation with ICTY in April, unambiguously affirming its support for the Tribunal and this important document remains a framework for Croatia's policy towards ICTY. It is our firm position that the guilt for the crimes committed must be individualized. No nation can be held collectively responsible for the crimes war criminals committed while claiming to act in its name. In order to improve the quality of co-operation with ICTY, the Government Council for co-operation with ICTY has been constituted and close working relations with the Tribunal established.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Promotion of good relations with its neighbors is Croatia's high priority goal. In its Program, the Croatian Government clearly stipulated that its relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina are based on good neighborhood, equality and transparency. Croatia will continue to cooperate with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community in the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, which remains the foundation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's self sustainability and guarantor of the-preservation of die-national- interests of its three constituent peoples.Croatia's policy towards and Herzegovina rests on full respect for the independence and sovereignty of that country.

On the basis of equality and mutual respect, Croatia is ready to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in its aspirations to become a modem and prosperous state in which human and minority rights will be guaranteed to all its citizens and equality of all constituent peoples ensured on its entire territory. It is only in this that Croatia sees the prosperous future of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the care for whom remains our constitutional obligation. Croatia will continue to support Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it foresees to do this in a transparent way, in accordance with the Dayton Agreement and clear euro-atlantic orientation.

Transparent financing of the Croatian component of the Federation Army through the Standing Committee on Military Matters is only one of the steps aimed at enhancing the central institutions, and a concrete proof of the new Croatian policy towards Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

My first official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the following visits of the President Stipe Mesic and the Prime Minister Ivica Racan to Sarajevo and Mostar are additional evidence of the positive shift in the political relations between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The relations between Croatia and Serbia cannot be regarded outside the framework of international isolation of the Milogevid's regime. Croatia is not questioning at A the need to continue with the normalization process with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, but its dynamics and substance will depend on the democratization of Serbia, which remains one of the necessary conditions for international and economic stability in the region. Croatia hopes that the forthcoming elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will be conducted in a democratic way that reflects the true will of the people and that they will result in democratic changes. Bearing in mind the fact that OSCE has been denied an opportunity to monitor the elections means that the elections could lose their international credibility. Still, Croatia wants to believe that Serbia will find a way to end the present situation and join the mainstream of the political and economic integration process in the region and Europe as a whole.

Croatia supports democratic developments in the Yugoslav Republic of Montenegro. Open, democratic, multiethnic stable and economically viable Montenegro is in the interest of Croatia and of the region at large.

In the course of this year a number of meetings have been held between the Croatian and Montenegrian officials at various levels, including the highest one. Two border crossings between Croatia and Montenegro are operating without impediment and further steps for enhanced co-operation, especially the economic ones, are underway. Croatia will continue to support the process of democratization that has already began in Montenegro and help in its opening towards Europe, firmly in line with the efforts of the international community.

Croatia remains seriously concerned about the present situation in Kosovo and continued violence whose victims are both the Albanians and the Serbs. We hope that efforts of UNMIK forces and civilian administration will be successful in bringing peace and stability into the region as well as facilitating preconditions for the return of refugees. Croatia supports all efforts of the international community aimed to end the violence and bring back peace and normal living conditions in that province, to the benefit of all citizens regardless of their ethnic background.

One issue, however, stands out in regard of the stability and lasting security of the whole region. It is the question of succession of states created after the disintegration of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Croatia holds the position, which is shared by other successor states, namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Macedonia, that all successor states should-be equal-in-their-rights and obligations, and none of them should enjoy any privileges in that regard.

An important aspect of the succession problem is the question of membership of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the United Nations and other international organizations. The four successor states are of the opinion that this must be resolved in line with the already existing Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. That means that the FRY cannot automatically continue the membership of the former state in the UN, and therefore, that it should do what other successor states had done apply for membership as the fifth successor. Moreover, the four successor states are of the opinion that the current practice in the UN should reflect the above mentioned resolutions and be more consistent in that regard. As long as this important issue remains unresolved it will create obstacles to the security, confidence-building and overall normalization of political and economic relations in the region. Therefore, we call for immediate implementation of the mentioned resolutions and emphasize once again the importance of resolving the question of succession that has been permanently rejected by the present FRY regime.

There is still a small number of UN military observers within th e international borders of Croatia.
Their performance in Prevlaka, the southernmost part of my country, has considerably contributed to the
lasting solution to this problem which is definitely of security, not of a territorial kind. Since 1992, Croatia
has accepted the UN mandate on Prevlaka, with the last six-month extension on 15 July this year. Steady
normalization of relations between Croatia and democratic Government of Montenegro has considerably
improved situation on the ground, and should serve as a bedrock for lasting solution of Prevlaka. In
approaching the Prevlaka issue one has to respect existing international border, as well as legitimate
security concerns, land ownership rights, and the need for economic cooperation and development in the
region.

Mr President,

The stability of South East Europe is an inseparable part of the overall European stability architecture. Being at the same time a Central European, Mediterranean, Danubean and South East European country, Croatia plays an active role in several regional initiatives that serve as foundation for the stabilization, cooperation and development in our part of the world. Let me mention in this regard the Central European Initiative, as one of the oldest regional initiatives, and the Adriatic Ionian Initiative, as the youngest. The latter one was launched in May this year with the primary objective of achieving peace and security in the Adriatic and Ionian regions through dynamic co-operation in different fields of common interest for the countries concerned. For Croatia, this initiative represents an important forum for promoting the Mediterranean component of its foreign policy and a possibility for useful exchange of views on the issues common to all countries of that European sub region

During its chairmanship of the Working Community of the Danube Region this year, Croatia will host the traditional Conference of Heads of the regional Governments as well as the Economic and Cultural Forum. Alpe Adria is another sub-regional initiative where Croatia plays an active role. Croatia's role of an active observer in the South East Europe Cooperation Process additionally emphasizes our intention to contribute to the regional security and stability.

From the very outset, Croatia has actively engaged in the creation and implementation of the Stability Pact for South East Europe. This strategic process represents a comprehensive approach towards the region in which the concept of stability includes democratization and human rights, economic development and security issues. Croatia has presented several project proposals within all three Working Tables of the Stability Pact, the construction of the Adriatic-Ionian highway being the most important of them. The construction of the highway that stretches along the coastline from Italian to the Greek borders, would mean a significant improvement in the road traffic between the countries in the region, and would also bring economic development to the very part of the region that dearly needs it.

It is to my satisfaction to inform you that at the beginning of this week Croatia hosted theParliamentary Summit of -the Stability- Pact, which has been full success in strengthening the- important- parliamentary dimension of the Pact.

The Stability Pact also serves as a mechanism for facilitating the EU and NATO membership prospects for all those countries of South East Europe that wish to pursue this path. Croatia is one of them. Full integration into the EU and NATO is the priority strategic objective of the Croatian foreign policy.

In a brief span of six months Croatia's international position regarding the European Union has thoroughly changed from a country with no institutional relations with the European Union to a country awaiting the start of negotiations on a Stabilization and Association Agreement, and consequently the status of a candidate for the EU membership. Croatia is very pleased with the results of the Joint Consultative Task Force whose recommendations have helped us to prepare the start of the negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement. We are encouraged by the European Commission High representatives' statements that this generation of agreements shall be tailored according to the present needs and achievements of the Stabilization and Association Process countries, and that their further progress towards the European Union will be assessed on their individual merits.

In late November Croatia will host a summit of the European Union member states and Stabilization and Association Process countries Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia. We feel privileged to host such a historical meeting that will signify the importance that the European Union attaches to the region within the framework of the Union% enlargement process. At the top of the Zagreb summit's agenda will be the issue of opening EU perspectives to the region and the countries of South East Europe, firmly in line with the policy of creating one Europe without walls or curtains of division. We see the arrival of the EU Heads of States or Goverments to Zagreb as a tribute to Croatia's democratic achievements and a harbinger of our associated status with the European Union.

In May Croatia entered Partnership for Peace. This provided Croatia with an opportunity to contribute more actively to peace and security of the region and strengthen its democracy and stability at the same time. In parallel, Croatia has launched the substantial reconstruction and modernization of its armed forces, aiming to meet all the NATO requirements as well as democratic standards. The next envisaged step in the NATO-Croatia relations is joining the Membership Action Plan, and we hope that this shall be achieved soon.

Croatia continues its active engagement in the pivotal European organizations, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe. It has achieved significant progress in working together with OSCE on the improvement of security in the Danubean region through the engagement of OSCE civilian police monitors there as well as in other fields of cooperation, such as improvement of democratic standards in Croatia. The extensive co-operation with the Council of Europe is mostly reflected in adjusting the regulations, protection of human and minority rights and democratization in Croatia.

Excellencies,

The world peace does not depend solely on the peace and security in Europe. Unfortunately, our world continuous to be plagued with crisis areas, both old and new ones. It is with concern that we look at the ongoing threat of new crisis on the African continent where tremendous amounts of human resources and money are feeding the war machines, instead of serving to fuel d evelopment. The cause of our special concern lies in the fact that many armed conflicts in Africa erupt
encouraged by ard with the participation -of the neighboring countries, -often using foreign- mercenaries sometimes come even from East European countries. Croatia sees the implementation of the Non Aligned Movement principles, as well as of the principles of the Organization of African Unity and other subregional organizations, as an important element in the political developments in that part of the world. These organizations undertake commendable efforts in order to establish mechanisms for conflict prevention as well as to find the ways to end the ongoing crises, including the establishment of their own peacekeeping forces. In that regard, Croatia welcomes the determination of the African countries to solve
their problems regionally and with the support from the United Nations.

The situation in the Middle East continues to shift between the brink of war and peace. The peace process between the Israeli and Palestine sides must be maintained, and all of us should spare no effort to extend assistance and support to the accomplishment of this paramount task. From its own experience, Croatia is well aware of how important it is to strengthen the peace process through Security Council and General Assembly resolutions that are supportive of it, both in language and political substance. Thus, Croatia advocates that forthcoming resolutions on Middle East reflect all the aspects of the ongoing peace process, serving as an important impetus for its successful completion.

Developments -in the area of disarmament and international security have been seriously afflicted by the lack of political will to translate political commitments and international obligations into practice. Certainly, Croatia recognizes and welcomes unilateral and multilateral achievements, in particular during the last decade of the century. The entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention, of the Ottawa Convention on Antipersonnel Landmines, the adoption of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the strengthening of nuclear safeguards, as well as measures taken within the START framework, demonstrate that progress is possible given the political will and common endeavor. However, the overall situation is far from encouraging and calls for more effective action.

Croatia welcomes disarmament pledges and the plan of action by the states parties to the NPT at the 2000 Review Conference. Still, we do share the concern of all peace loving countries about the retention of nuclear deterrence doctrines, nuclear and missile proliferation and the risks involved in growing revolution in military affairs. We need full involvement of governments and civil society in devising strategies for the implementation of major commitments undertaken in New York. Regarding small anus, the main cause of death on the Planet, Croatia strongly supports the convening of the United Nations Conference on the illicit trade in small arms in 2001, and is in favor of establishing international legal control system to help stop the spread of death caused by light weapons. Parallel to the small arms,the most serious threat to the lives of people, both in war and in peace, are the antipersonnel landmines.

Croatia is a country highly contaminated by antipersonnel landmines, with about one million of landmines scattered in many parts of its territory. Their presence poses serious obstacle to the economic development of the country, and even more so to the return of people to their homes. The minecleaning process is underway, but its dynamics has to be intensified if the real progress is to be seen anytime soon. Many of the ongoing activities are performed in cooperation with donor countries, to whom we extend our sincere gratitude, but the efforts aimed to eliminate that evil completely and for good have to be brought to a maximum. In this connection, Croatia calls for further international assistance so as to enable unimpeded development of the country at large.

We must pay particular attention to all forms of transnational terrorism, organized crime, trafficking in drugs and human beings which represent a growing danger to the world security. Additional trafficking in drugs and human beings which represent a growing d efforts at the national and international level must be made in order to combat and eradicate those dangerous threats that are leaving no human being safe.

Mr. President,

The beginning of the new Millennium is the appropriate time to reflect and ask ourselves a very important question: What-kind of future can we ensure for the coming generations?- The same question has been posed by the founding fathers of the United Nations fiftz-five years ago, when the Organization was established. The creation of our Organization was meant to ensure peace and security in the world and to achieve international cooperation in different areas of involvement. We all have the opportunity to observe how efficient the Organization was in performing its tasks. I am sure that any of us could name numerous positive achievements of the Organization, but also that we all could point at some of its major failures. The "success stories" should serve as a motive for further improvement and give encouragement for future actions, and failures should serve as lessons learned never to be repeated. It is in the interest of its member states to see their Organization function efficiently and perform its duties in their best interest. For that reason, Croatia cannot but agree with the Secretary-General of the United Nations that the right time has come to reconfirm our commitments to the Organization.

The member states are at the very foundation of the United Nations and only they have the tools for improvements of its work in their hands. It is evident that the Organization needs adjustments to respond to the challenges of the new era. The package of proposals for the reform of the Organization in different areas requires our particular attention.

Let me briefly address the issue of the Security Council reform. Croatia holds the view that the present structure and functioning of the Security Council does not properly reflect the reality in international relations in the 21st century, or the need for universal democratization. We support enlargement in the number of the permanent and non-permanent seats in the Council, taking into account equitable geographical distribution as well as the contribution to the UN budget. However, reform must go beyond the sole membership enlargement. Council's methods of work should be made more transparent, in particular regarding informal consultations which have proved to be anything but informal. Regarding the veto, Croatia supports the proposals ranging from its total abolishment, to its applicability to Chapter VH issues, only. The present stalemate in the reform process must be brought to an end, because too much time has already been wasted.

The reform of peacekeeping, including its financing, is among the key elements of a comprehensive UN reform. The role and functioning of the peacekeeping should be reviewed and adapted to the present needs of the member states. It goes without saying that each and every peacekeeping mandate has to be based on a realistic assessment of the situation in the field, in terms of political developments and security levels. The financing of peacekeeping should provide for increased ability of the United Nations to react adequately to emerging crises and allow for rapid response. Croatia is of the view that the peacekeeping scale of assessment needs to be adjusted so to ensure sound financial basis for the United Nations peacekeeping activities. At the same time, the "capacity to pay" principle should be respected and serve a- a starting point in the-- forthcoming negotiations

In the overall discussions on the improvement of the work of the Organization Croatia sides with the proposals aimed at redefinition of regional groups. This is part of reform is certainly worth further careful consideration. Also, enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations and the private sector remains a field for creative exploration. The benefits that the United Nations could gain from contributions from NGO's and the private sector have been confirmed, and hopefully they will increase in the future. The recently held NGO Forum here in New York has proved thatthe voice of the civil society is strong and its role in today's world is indispensable.

If we look at other important challenges facing the Organization that will certainly influence its future and be the test of its credibility, one has to mention the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Croatia, as an original signatory of the Statute, wants to emphasize once again its commitment to the integrity of the Rome Statute as well as its desire to see the Permanent Criminal Court established soon. Croatia has already undertaken the first steps in the process of preparing the ratification of the Statute. We expect that the process of ratification will be completed by the end of this year, or at the beginning of the next year. We welcome the finalization of the draft texts of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence and the Elements of Crime and call for additional examination of the term "aggression" and for competent body to determine, the existence of such an act. Furthermore, Croatia-calls-for enhanced-investment. of efforts in order to adapt as soon as possible the "side agreements" necessary for the establishment and commencement of work of the International Criminal Court.

The central challenge that has been pointed out in the Secretary-General's Millennium Report is "to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all the world's People, instead of leaving billions of them behind in squalor". The only way to achieve that goal is through partnership and co- operation. As a universal organization, the United Nations has many comparative advantages, representing the best foram for articulating the efforts aimed to find a proper answer to many globalization-driven phenomena. Globalization brings many benefits it expands markets and opens the world, but it also widens the differences among people and enforces uncertainties. It brings opportunities but they are not equally shared.They are reserved only for the privileged ones.

The subject of particular concern is that with advent of globalization the number of people that are marginalized and strongly affected by its negative effects is growing. Therefore, we have to minimize the negative impacts of globalization and, at the same time, make its benefits available to all.

The effects of globalization on the international economy are significant, and call for enhanced cooperation through multilateral institutions. In addition to the efforts aimed to avoid marginalization and to ensure full integration into the world economy, the countries with the economies in transition face challenges associated with privatization, structural and macroeconomic reforms. In case of Croatia, there is an additional challenge, that of the post-war recovery. In such circumstances, our pivotal goal is consolidating economic recovery and creating conditions for a sound and sustainable economic and social development. Our overall economic program and policy measures are designed to support further economic stability with stable prices and low inflation, concurrent economic growth, faster rate of employment and higher exports.

To attract foreign investments that are so important for the ongoing process of development, the new Investment Law has been adopted. Constructive economic cooperation on bilateral, regional and global levels remains Croatia's firm goal. Croatia has recently signed the Protocol of Accession to WTO and within a few months, once the process of ratification is completed, Croatia will become a full member of WTO.

The environmental sustainability is a formidable task that leaves no-one untouched. The protection of ozone layer, coping with climate change, confronting the water crisis, defending the soil, preserving forests, fisheries and biodiversity are our priorities equal in importance to those in the field of peace and security. The future of our planet and of our children depends on us This is not a catchy phrase but a harsh reality we have no right to ignore. It is therefore essential to do more to raise the awareness about the importance of the environment protection and include those questions in our national policies.

The interdependency between environment and health, as well as the economic and social spheres has become crucial. It has to be noted that there is still an imbalance between demographicrates environmental standards, social conditions and economic growth in many parts of the world. The gap between developing countries which, still face extreme poverty and high population growth, and developed countries which have reached a quality of life that is unsurpassed is widening. This calls for concrete action and careful planning in order to bridge it. The accelerating spread of serious diseases, especially the IRV virus that has infected millions of people worldwide, is another subject of particular concern. Croatia believes that strong commitment is critical to strengthen a worldwide response. In that connection, health and educational services should be made more accessible, and priorities of protection directed to and groups with particular needs

Additional efforts should be made to improve food quality in the world and to ensure the rightof accessibility to qualitative and safe food for all. In this regard, a gender perspective should not beoverlooked. Governments should continue to ensure protection of the rights of women through legal mechanisms and gender-sensitive policies in order to achieve gender equality and equity. Croatia reiterates its commitment to promote genuine partnership between men and women and ensure equal rights and opportunities for them.

The challenges facing the organization are numerous. Answers will have to be found for questions regarding how to renew the structure and mandates of the main UN bodies, how to ensure better management and mobilization of new resources, how to define new forms of partnership, both with the private sector and non-governmental organizations, how to make co-operation more effective, and above all, how to turn the United Nations in a results-based organization. Croatia believes in the potentials of the United Nations and considers that it will be made truly efficient if we the member states accept our responsibilities towards it.

Mr. President,

Croatia is ready to work together with all international actors in searching for the right answers to the challenges that lie ahead. Stability and prosperity of the world will become possible only if we never stop looking how to improve them. Croatia will continue with its best efforts to preserve the positive trends in its general achievements and to contribute to the European and world stability. It will also continue to dedicate all the efforts possible during this Millennium Assembly to provide the necessary guidance to make the world a better place.

Let me, at the end, congratulate Dr Theo-Ben Gurirab, Foreign Minister of Namibia and the president of the Fifty-fourth Session of the General Assembly, on his dedicated work and great skills by which he has preformed his demanding job. I would also like to congratulate Mr Harri Holkeri, Foreign Minister of Finland, for his election as a president of the 55th Session of the General Assembly and to wish him all success in his future work.

Finally, Mr President, I would like to express my hope that this Millennium Assembly will result in new commitments that will bring progress in responding to the challenges of the new century.

Thank you, Mr. President.