Madrid, Spain 4 June 2003

Statement by H.K. Tonino Picula, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Croatia, at the Meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) at the level of Foreign Ministers Mr. Chairman, Dear colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to make a few remarks concerning the contribution of democratic reforms to stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Croatia will soon celebrate the 11th anniversary of its independence and I can tell you that much has transpired over those past 11 years. Like other countries in transition, we have been struggling with the task of reforming our entire society - a process which for my country has been even more difficult because we were, ten years ago, faced with an imminent security threat. As you know, establishing a stable democracy and market economy requires time, as well as patience from the general public. I can say that we have made substantial progress on the road to becoming a full member of the Euro-Atlantic family, even though there is much work still ahead. We have been aware for quite some time that our own security needs cannot be met in isolation. This is why we have been working closely with the international community in order to stabilise the situation in Southeastern Europe. We have also been developing better ties with our neighbours in order to combat threats to our security. Problems such as terrorism, organised crime and illicit trafficking don't recognise national borders and thus require a common approach. At a recent event in the region, Secretary-General Robertson made the comment that Southeastern Europe is more stable and secure, and is therefore, featured much less prominently on his travel schedule. I believe that his assessment is correct, even though challenges remain. Croatia is en excellent example of a country which has transformed itself from a consumer of security into a contributor of security. In 1998, there were several thousand international peacekeepers on our territory, while today we have expert personnel taking part in five peacekeeping missions throughout the world, as well as a military police platoon stationed in Afghanistan as part of ISAF III. On the domestic front we are implementing wide-ranging reforms intended to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law. Here judicial reforms are especially important because wo realise that our citizens deserve an efficient and transparent legal system. This is, of course, also an important issue for international investors who are interested in Croatia. I would also like to mention that defence reforms are already being implemented and we are well underway in modernising our armed forces. Let me just say that Croatia is firmly committed to continue with the work we have started. We support the agenda which NATO adopted at the Prague Summit and believe that it represents a common vision of the security environmcnt shared by both sides of the Atlantic, The reality is that major security challenges still confront us and the best way to respond is through increased partnership and cooperation. On our part, we will maintain our policies of democratic reform and will continue to play an active role in bringing lasting peace and stability to our region. Thank You,