OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE CROATIAN

UNCLAS STATE 114005 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL CR SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE CROATIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR. GORDAN JANDROKOVIC ¶1. (U) Post is authorized to present the following statement at the November 5, 2009 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. Begin text: Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States welcomes Minister Jandrokovic to the Permanent Council and thanks him for his insightful and informative remarks. We share your view that the Corfu Process has provided a constructive framework for discussions about European Security. We believe that this dialogue should continue to be anchored firmly in the OSCE and should embody the comprehensive concept of security. The Corfu meetings have helped us examine how we can fully utilize the tools we have at our disposal, ensure implementation of our commitments, and consider how we might increase the OSCE's effectiveness in conflict prevention and resolution. We look forward to the continuation of this process up to and beyond the Athens ministerial. Regarding the OSCE Office in Zagreb and its mandated tasks, Croatia has made great strides in resolving these issues. We welcome the acknowledgement by the Office of this progress, as shown in its recent status report. And, given how close both portions of the Office's mandate are to completion, we agree intensive monitoring is no longer required. Nevertheless, we can agree that the Office should continue operating in 2010 to ensure the completion of its mandate. The United States, particularly through our Embassy in Zagreb, is committed to supporting efforts by the government of Croatia to create improved conditions for sustainability of returns, as well as for the efficient and non-discriminatory application of war crimes laws. Croatia's progress on reforms and toward Euro-Atlantic integration continues to be impressive, and we congratulate you on the November 4 signing of the arbitration agreement by the Prime Ministers of Croatia and Slovenia. Croatia has consistently played a positive role in regional issues and cooperation. Mr. Minister, the U.S. looks forward to a continuing close and productive relationship with you and your government, and we thank you for your visit here today. Thank you, Madam Chair. CLINTON