Recommending the integration of the Republic of Croatia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cochair of the Congressional Croatian Caucus to draw attention to the upcoming NATO summit in Riga. One of the focuses of this summit will be the next round of possible NATO enlargement, scheduled to occur in 2008. Croatia should be at the top of the candidate list for membership into NATO and deserves an invitation for membership in 2008.

Since achieving independence over a decade ago, Croatia has taken huge strides with

democratic, economic and human rights reforms. They have been a key partner in the international community's efforts to build long-term support and stability in the Southeastern European region, and have been an active supporter of the global war against terrorism. Croatia fully recognizes the fundamental importance of sharing its visions of Euro-Atlantic integration with other countries in the region, and is prepared to be an example for developing democracies.

Croatia has benefited greatly from the substantial investment already made by the United States in the region. This investment illustrates our belief that Croatia is a viable partner in promoting democratic ideals and peace-keeping efforts internationally. I was proud to help further solidify this support last year, with the passage of House Resolution 529, which recommended Croatia's integration into NATO.

At the upcoming summit, NATO officials should be encouraged to definitively express their intentions to issue invitations for membership to qualified aspirant countries at the next summit in 2008, of which Croatia is at the top of the list. I wish to convey my strong support for the reform efforts being made in Croatia, and for an invitation to join NATO in the 2008 enlargement round. My congressional Croatian Caucus cochair, Congressman Peter Visclosky, and I have also sent letters to the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense encouraging the administration to express support for this goal.

Finally, many individuals have worked very hard to see that this important invitation comes to fruition. I would like to especially thank Congressman Visclosky, the Embassy of Croatia, and the multitude of Croatian nationals and Croatian Americans who have been so committed to this cause. I would also like to enter into the Record a letter in support of Croatia's membership into NATO.

National Federation

of Croatian Americans,

September 20, 2006.

Hon. Condoleezza Rice,

Secretary, Department of State,

Washington, DC.

Dear Madam Secretary: The problems in our world today are

many and the issues you are currently addressing as the

leader of our diplomatic efforts, while on the right course,

are extremely challenging. However, I am pleased to point out

that one emerging bright spot in the problematic region of

Southeast Europe is The Republic of Croatia. Since winning

her independence ten years ago, Croatia has made great

strides along the path to full North Atlantic Treaty

Organization (NATO) membership by implementing democratic

processes, upholding the rule of law, partnering with her

neighbors on human rights, remaining a consistent supporter

of the global war on terrorism, and demonstrating stable

leadership among the countries in that region. In addition,

Croatia has diligently pursued her responsibilities under

NATO's Membership Action Plan in adapting her military to the

interoperable and readily available needs of future NATO

strategies.

The upcoming NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia, in November 2006

causes us to remember the great successes of this Alliance.

For almost sixty years no member of NATO has ever been

attacked, and all member nation-states have been blessed with

economic prosperity. This is a group to which The Republic of

Croatia aspires and to which she has earned the right to

belong. While the NATO meeting in Riga is scheduled to

discuss 2007 as a year of transformation, we must also

continue to focus on 2008, which is planned as the next year

for possible NATO enlargement. Croatia deserves to be at the

top of the list of countries qualifying as ready candidates

in the 2008 enlargement round. I write to you today to

request that Croatia's membership progress be discussed and

properly reviewed with regard to early full NATO membership

during the November Summit in Riga.

Croatia's democratic, economic, and defensive progress was

recognized by the United States Congress late last year with

passage of H. Res. 529 and S. Res. 342, both of which

commended her and recommended that she be invited to join

NATO as a full member at the earliest possible date. In

addition, a delegation from the National Federation of

Croatian Americans (NFCA) recently met with key

representatives from both the U.S. State Department and the

National Security Council and received very positive reports

on Croatia's progress toward NATO membership and further

integration into other western-oriented multilateral

organizations. The NFCA will ensure that the Croatian

American community in the U.S. continues to support all of

these Congressional and Administration efforts, and we will

rally our ethnic community as required.

The NFCA is very pleased with President Bush's recent

appointment of Mr. Robert A. Bradtke as the new U. S.

Ambassador to The Republic of Croatia. Mr. Bradtke's years of

service, particularly with his experiences in the last NATO

Enlargement, will serve him and the Croatian people well in

these history making years for the country. The NFCA will

also carry on its communication with Ambassador Bradtke to

assist in any way we can towards greater enhancement of the

relationship between the United States and The Republic of

Croatia. He understands the importance of NATO for Croatia

and is committed to reaching out to the Croatian people to

continue building enthusiasm for full NATO membership. Your

own support, in promoting the international progress of

Croatia, is critically important. The NFCA sincerely

appreciates your contributions and achievements in. these

difficult times for our country, and we ask that you support

inviting the friendly country of Croatia to join the NATO

Alliance in 2008.

If I may be of personal assistance to you on this important

request regarding The Republic of Croatia's goal of full NATO

membership, please do not hesitate to contact me at your

first convenience. If our Government Relations OffIce may be

of direct assistance to you or your staff, Mr. Joe Foley may

also be contacted at the number below.

Sincerely,

Edward A. Andrus,

President.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me this time.

When Croatia was struggling for its independence and survival, I was one of the American political figures who challenged my own government for its lack of support for Croatia at a critical hour. Here I take great pride in asking my government in the House of Representatives as a Member to support the integration of the Republic of Croatia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

I take great pride in my Croatian heritage. My grandfather John Kucinich came from what is now part of Croatia. My father made sure that we stayed close to the Croatian culture and language while we were growing up in Cleveland, and greater Cleveland has a very large Croatian community. I take great pride in the achievements of my Croatian brothers and sisters in the United States as well as in Croatia and those around the world. And I agree that Croatia ought to be fully integrated into the European Union as well as NATO.

I want to at the same time, though, make sure that I make Congress aware of the conduct of the Croatian television network, HRT, which has, unfortunately, denied an American filmmaker access to documentary film footage so as to frustrate the commercial release of her production.

This is not a routine matter, Mr. Speaker, because this film by Ms. Brenda Brkusic, ``Freedom From Despair,'' has received great critical acclaim. She has won many awards, including the CINE Golden Eagle Award, which has previously been awarded to international filmmakers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. She has been recognized by her peers as an emerging talent in the film industry. The Croatian National Foundation has agreed to be her fiscal sponsor; and Amnesty International, the largest human rights organization in the world, has endorsed her film for its strong human rights advocacy.

I believe that the Government of Croatia is sensitive to human rights issues, as has been stated by my friend Mr. Gallegly and also by my friend Mr. Lantos. However, we need to make sure that HRT, which is the state-owned television station, does not escape its responsibility to be sensitive to human rights.

So, I am using this opportunity while I celebrate the support for Croatia, I also believe that it is important to continue to point out wherever there are questions relating to human rights, whether they be in freedom of expression, in telling the truth about the past or in trying to lay the groundwork for a bright future that Congress needs to be the proper forum to make those statements.

Croatia desires to be in NATO to protect itself from outside forces. I want to make sure Croatia is protected from threats to freedom of expression inside the country of Croatia.

When Croatia was struggling for its independence and survival I was one of the American political figures who challenged my own government for its lack of support for Croatia at a critical hour. I take great pride in my Croatian heritage. My grandfather was born in what is now Croatia. I take pride in the achievements of my Croatian brothers and sisters in Croatia, America and around the world.

However, I want to make the Congress aware of the conduct of the Croatian television network HRT, which has deliberately denied an American filmmaker access to documentary film footage, so as to frustrate the commercial release of her production.

The Croatian television network, HRT, initially gave Ms. Brenda Brkusic rights to film footage for student use in the production. Once she asked for commercial rights, HRT refused to cooperate. HRT has refused to answer her questions about the specific price for rights to the footage, giving her general, estimated quotes much higher than are quoted to other people who have inquired for footage rights, and they have suggested unreasonable limitations on those rights. Most recently, when she sent HRT a list of archives she was given by HRT for student use, HRT then informed her that they do not have the right to sell her that material. Ms. Brkusic asked HRT where she must go to get the rights, yet HRT refused to answer her questions. Furthermore, HRT has on other occasions sold that same material that Ms. Brkusic requested to other individuals for broadcast on television.

This is not a routine matter about a routine film. Ms. Brkusic's film, ``Freedom from Despair,'' has received great critical acclaim. She has won many awards, including the CINE Golden Eagle award, which was previously been awarded to the internationally acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. She has been recognized by her peers as an emerging talent in the film industry. The Croatian National Foundation has agreed to be her fiscal sponsor, and Amnesty International, the largest human rights organization in the world, has endorsed her film for its strong human rights advocacy.

The fact that numerous media outlets have agreed to donate their footage to her film at no cost is noteworthy. They include: ABC 7 Chicago, NBC 5 Chicago, CBS 2, WGN 9 Chicago, and Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries. They all granted her worldwide rights to their footage in perpetuity for free, within a few weeks of her request.

HRT, on the other hand, has not only been uncooperative, but obstructive. This distresses me. Given the high profile on this film and the extraordinarily fast rising stardom of its director, a young Croatian-American, HRT's antics will damage the reputation of the Croatian government in the international community.

Croatia desires to be in NATO to protect itself from outside enemies. But who will protect Croatia from threats to freedom of expression inside the country?

Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

First of all, I want to thank my friend for reviewing the history of commitment. I want to thank my friend for pointing out that Croatia has worked toward fulfillment of commitments on human rights. I would agree with that. At the same time, I would ask my friend to assist me in helping Croatia continue that commitment in an area that is really important, and that is freedom of expression.

I would like to at some point after the debate share with the gentleman the specific concerns that I had that

caused me to bring this up during debate. But I want to thank the gentleman for his sponsorship, for his commitment, and I join him in it.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I would just thank Chairman Gallegly for sponsoring this resolution. I am happy to be a cosponsor. I would just make the point that this supports the accession of Croatia into NATO. As either chairman or subcommittee chairman of the Global Human Rights and International Ops Committee for 6 years in the 1990s and as either chairman or cochairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I have watched very closely the issues relating to Croatia over these many years.

As a matter of fact, Frank Wolf and I actually got into Vukovar while it was under siege and saw the incredible devastation that occurred early in that war with Serbia, and one house after another, one block after another being literally decimated by the Serbian offensive.

But so much has changed. So much has changed dramatically. As a matter of fact, over the last 5 years we have seen the real changes. For a while there, regrettably, the government was very wedded and many people in Croatia to nationalism, and some would even say extreme nationalism. That has now dissipated largely and now we have a Croat group of people, a free press, increasingly the NGOs, the church, all speaking on one accord for more human rights; and I do think over time and hopefully sooner rather than later they will make their way into NATO, provided the additional benchmarks are met.

So this is a good statement of solidarity with the people of Croatia saying that we think it is time. I thank, again, Mr. Gallegly for sponsoring this.

Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of H. Res. 529, I rise in strong support of this resolution that supports the accession of Croatia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. I have followed developments in Croatia extensively, both as a Chairman of the International Relations Committee and as Chairman or Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission. I can particularly recall--indeed, it would be hard to forget--the horror that accompanied the seige and ultimately the fall of Vukovar during the conflict in Croatia in 1991. That was the year Croatia proclaimed its independence from the disintegrating Yugoslavia. Few would have predicted that in such a short period of time Croatia would be advancing toward European integration at its current pace.

It is true, as stated in this resolution, that since achieving independence, the people of Croatia have built a democratic society, based on the rule of law, respect for human rights and a free market economy. To be more precise, however, it is worth noting that most of this progress occurred in the last five years, after Croatia was able to move beyond the conflict but also to make its own transition away from nationalism. The lack of progress which occurred in the early years of Croatia's independence is not something to hide. It makes the progress achieved since 2000 all the more profound.

It is also true that the people of Croatia deserve the credit. It was the Croatian people who became fed up with supporting the agenda of others. Through non-governmental organizations, independent media outlets and ultimately the ballot box, they earned their independence and freedom. Those representing Croatia's Serb community who made the decision to return to their homes, despite fears and lingering obstacles, also deserve credit for Croatia's progress. They have challenged the country to recover and to reconcile, and Croatia is stronger as a result. The people of Croatia have built a democratic society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights and a free market economy.

They have sent troops to Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led security force in support of the war on terrorism and have provided strong support to U.S. nonproliferation efforts. Mr. Speaker, just last week, the one remaining impediment to Croatia's entry into NATO was removed when General Ante Gotovina, the alleged Croatian war criminal, was arrested in Spain. General Gotovina has been transferred to The Hague to stand trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Mr. Speaker, the resolution states that once it meets NATO guidelines and criteria for membership, Croatia should be invited to join NATO at the earliest possible date. With its location, resources and talented people, a Croatia which satisfies the guidelines and criteria for NATO membership will strengthen the alliance.

Support for Croatia's integration into NATO should also encourage others in the region to make similar progress. Two other Adriatic Charter partners, Albania and Macedonia, immediately come to mind. It is also my deepest hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina, ten years after the Dayton Accords ended the conflict there, can move beyond what have become the restraining effects of that peace agreement's ethnic balancing act, adopt serious constitutional reform and accelerate its integration into Europe as well. Finally, we all hope that people in Serbia will continue their efforts to overcome the bankrupt legacy left by extreme nationalism, in particular by taking every effort to bring to justice those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, so that Serbia, too, can move forward.

H. Res. 529 commends Croatia's significant progress in strengthening its democratic institutions, its support for the global war on terrorism and its ability to make significant contributions to NATO. It also applauds their ongoing cooperation with the international war crimes tribunal.

Mr. Speaker, Croatia is not only a strong ally of the United States. The American and Croatian people share a love of freedom and democracy. Croatia has been a steadfast friend, and it will make an important contribution to security and peace in Europe and throughout the world as a member of NATO.

Both the Europe and Emerging Threats Subcommittee and the House International Relations Committee unanimously approved House Resolution 529, and I urge its passage by the full House.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 529) recommending the integration of the Republic of Croatia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 529, a resolution introduced that supports the accession of Croatia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Since achieving their independence in 1992, the people of Croatia have built a democratic society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a free market economy. In addition, they have sent troops to Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led security force in support of the war on terrorism and have provided strong support to the U.S. nonproliferation efforts.

Mr. Speaker, just last week the one remaining impediment to Croatia's entry into NATO was removed when General Ante Gotovina, the alleged Croatian war criminal, was arrested in Spain. General Gotovina has been transferred to The Hague to stand trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. His arrest last Thursday in the Canary Islands confirms the truthfulness of the statements by the Croatian Government that Gotovina was not hiding in Croatian territory.

House Resolution 529 commends Croatia's significant progress in strengthening its democratic institutions, its support for the global war on terrorism, and its ability to make significant contributions to NATO. It also applauds their ongoing cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal.

Finally, the resolution states that once it meets NATO's guidelines and criteria for membership, Croatia should be invited to join NATO at the earliest possible date.

Mr. Speaker, Croatia is not only a strong ally of the United States. The American and Croatian people share a love of freedom and democracy. Croatia has been a steadfast friend, and it will make an important contribution to security and peace in Europe and throughout the world as a member of NATO. Both the Europe and Emerging Threats Subcommittee and the House International Relations Committee unanimously approved House Resolution 529, and I urge its adoption in the full House.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to respond to Mr. Kucinich.

Mr. Speaker, while I am not aware of the specific details that Mr. Kucinich outlined, I want to make it very clear I do appreciate his comment about Croatia and his feeling about its accession to NATO.

I would like to say, while I am not familiar with that specific incident, I firmly believe that Croatia's overall record has significantly improved in human rights over the past decade. Although Croatia may not be perfect, just 14 years ago the Croatian people were living under a communist dictatorship and in the intervening period has made great strides in human rights and I believe has a very free press.

Mr. Speaker, Croatia, like many other former communist states in Eastern and Central Europe, are relatively new democracies. There are still some areas that need improvement. However, there should be no doubt that the Croatian Government respects human rights and civil liberties.

I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I would like to personally go on record to make the firm commitment to my good friend Mr. Kucinich from Ohio to work with him on this issue. I think we are on the same page, and I look forward to working with him.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

(Mr. SMITH of New Jersey asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would just like to thank my good friend, the ranking member of the full committee, whom I have had the honor and pleasure of working with for many years, and thank him not only for his support, but powerful words this evening in support of this resolution. I ask our colleagues to join with us in passing this resolution tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter this letter into the Record. The letter focuses on the importance of the U.S. State Department's support of Croatia's membership into NATO.

National Federation of

Croatian Americans (NFCA),

Washington, DC, Nov. 3, 2005.

Re Resolution on The Republic of Croatia and NATO Membership.

The Hon. Elton Gallegly,

Chairman, Europe and Emerging Threats Subcommittee,

International Relations Committee, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: On behalf of the National Federation of

Croatian Americans (NFCA), I want to commend and thank you

for the courageous leadership you have shown by introducing

H. Res. 529. The NFCA was pleased to contribute to the

Resolution's

development, and we stand ready with our national community

to assist you in generating support for its expeditious

passage in the U.S. Congress.

The U.S. State Department may object to some of the

language in this Resolution, since over time the State

Department has ramped up its requirements related to

Croatia's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty

Organization (NATO). This Department's requirement for

support of Croatia's entry into NATO has actually morphed

from `complete cooperation with the International Criminal

Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, ICTY, in the pursuit of

the remaining indictee' to `the capture and delivery of the

remaining indictee to The Hague'. The State Department holds

to this position in spite of the fact that the ICTY Chief

Prosecutor claims that the remaining indictee is hiding in an

Italian monastery protected by the Vatican. The ICTY Chief

Prosecutor has further asserted that Croatia is now

completely cooperating with the ICTY. Furthermore, the new

government of Prime Minister Ivo Sanader has affirmed the

Government of Croatia's commitment to cooperate fully and

continue to take all necessary steps to locate and transfer

the remaining indictee to the ICTY. After complying with 626

demands of the ICTY, the people of the free and democratic

Republic of Croatia deserve better treatment from the United

States and they have certainly earned our strong support

expressed so well in this Resolution.

We agree with the view that stability in South Central

Europe is of a very high priority, and that Croatia has

become a valuable, constructive partner in this delicate

region. Given the potential for future regional conflicts,

NATO should want to take advantage of the greater

contribution that Croatia would make toward peace and

stability as a full member of NATO. As you know, Montenegro

may wish to break from Serbia in the future, and Kosovo is

considering its own independence. Furthermore, Bosnia and

Herzegovina has yet to be reconstituted into a nation-state

that can equitably govern its three ethnic constituencies.

And, unfortunately, The Serbian Radical Party--using

Republika Srpska as a foothold--openly promulgates activities

oriented towards the creation of a Greater Serbia, which may

also include current parts of Croatia. These potentially

explosive situations require the stability that a NATO

presence in Croatia will provide.

I am taking the liberty of providing a copy of this letter

to your Subcommittee's Ranking Member, Representative Robert

Wexler, and to the Co-Chairs of the Croatian Caucus,

Representatives George Radanovich and Peter Visclosky, who we

believe will be helpful on this matter. If I may provide

anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me

directly or our NFCA Government Relations Director, Mr.

Joseph Foley. Thank you again for your important continued

support for Croatia's NATO membership.

Sincerely,

Edward A. Andrus,

President.