Florence, Italy 25 May 2000

Croatia Joins the Partnership for Peace Statement by US Secretary of State, Madeleine K. Albright I congratulate the Republic of Croatia on the occasion of its entry today into the Partnership for Peace and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. In a few short months, Croatia has made dramatic progress toward a democratic society, has demonstrated a renewed commitment to the Dayton process, and has taken steps to promote stability and security in Southeastern Europe. NATO recognized these steps today when I and my fellow Foreign Ministers witnessed Croatian Foreign Minister Picula's signature of the Partnership for Peace Framework Document. Croatia has become the 26th member of the Partnership for Peace and the 46th member of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. Today's ceremony recognizes the remarkable gains Croatia has made toward integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. I conveyed my personal congratulations to Foreign Minister Picula and reiterated our strong support for Croatia's journey toward a democratic civil society based on respect for human rights. We believe that Croatia has every prospect for a prosperous future when it will be fully integrated in trans-Atlantic institutions, and we look forward to welcoming President Mesic and Prime Minister Racan in Washington in early August.