STATE VISITS GLOBAL AGENDA RUSSIAN FEDERATION ROMANIA USA UNITED NATIONS ICELAND. NEWSLETTER of the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia

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1 NEWSLETTER of the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia STATE VISITS RUSSIAN FEDERATION ROMANIA GLOBAL USA UNITED NATIONS ICELAND

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS / STATE VISITS: ROMANIA STATE VISITS: RUSSIAN FEDERATION GLOBAL : ICELAND GLOBAL : UNITED STATES GLOBAL : UNITED NATIONS SENSE CROATIA: ISTRIA KOPRIVNICA-KRIŽEVCI COUNTY

3 STATE VISITS / 03 President on Official Visit to Romania ROMANIA, 2-4 October On the invitation of the President of Romania Klaus Werner Iohannis, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović will be on a three-day official visit to Romania. On Monday 2 October and Tuesday 3 October 2017, President Grabar-Kitarović will visit Bucharest where she will, in addition to her host the Romanian President, hold separate working meetings with representatives from the Romania parliament and with the Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church. At the University of Bucharest she will lecture on Croatian Contribution to European Consolidation. During her official visit to Romania, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania in conjunction with the Croatian Chamber of Economy will hold a Romanian-Croatian Economic Forum where businesspeople will address both Presidents. On Wednesday 4 October 2017, President Grabar- Kitarović will lecture at West University Timişoara at the beginning of the academic year. The same day the President will visit Caraşova, Clocotici and Lupac where she will meet with representatives of the Croatian community of Romania.

4 STATE VISITS / 04 President of the Republic on Official Visit to Romania BUCHAREST, 2 October At the invitation of the President of Romania Klaus Werner Iohannis, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is on a three-day return official visit to Romania. icroatia and Romania oppose a multispeed Europe, and in establishing a unique European Union and reducing disparities in the old and new Europe the Three Seas Initiative could be a major contributor, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and her Romanian counterpart Klaus Werner Iohannis assessed. Following the meeting, both presidents assessed that the two countries have excellent joint relations and stated that their discussions focused on joint positions as European Union and NATO Member States. Both Croatia and Romania are committed to a single unique European Union. We are unmistakably against a multispeed Europe, a Europe that would have a core and a periphery, against any Europe which would not provide the same opportunities for development, President Grabar-Kitarović stated. For this reason we launched the Three Seas Initiative. This Initiative is primarily focused on the cohesion of the European space, she added. Unfortunately, differences between the so-called old and new Europe or between the European east and west are increasing. These differences should be literally erased in this specific area through the establishment of foundations for economic development and a greater competitiveness of our economies, through the construction of a transportation infrastructure, energy infrastructure including digitalization and the availability of broadband internet, stated President Grabar-Kitarović. Romanian President Iohannis stressed that the Adriatic Baltic Black Sea initiative is the key to the development of infrastructure in our region. And when I say region, I mean all the states that have recently

5 STATE VISITS / 05 joined the European Union and which still need major impulses for development, he said. Infrastructure connections are virtually completely lacking on the north-south axis. We want the Three Seas Initiative to be more visible, we want to promote and clearly present joint projects, the Romanian President stated. He indicated that both states share similar views on European topics. Both states want to become members of the Schengen area, both states want to have European structural funds at their disposal, he said. Naturally we discussed the future of the European Union and agreed that better integration and removal of differences between various European Union Members is of major importance, said President Iohannis. Both presidents stressed that there is much room for intensifying economic relations between the two states. There is room for improving relations especially in the economy. Our bilateral economic cooperation, especially in the investment field, is quite modest and I hope that it will increase after this visit, that there will be more concrete results concrete projects and concrete business deals between the two states, said President Grabar-Kitarović. The potential is huge, from IT technology, via renewable energy sources, to investment in infrastructure. Croatian companies are good in the development of transportation infrastructure, as well as in the railway, locomotives and railroad cars, low-floor tramcars, she indicated. They also discussed cooperation in NATO, and stressed the importance of nurturing good relations with the United States of America. Both for Croatia and Romania transatlantic relations are very important and we want to emphasize that transatlantic relations do not necessarily mean opposite to European relations, but only that they have to complement each other, said President Iohannis. In their discussions President Grabar-Kitarović and President Iohannis commented the excellent status of Croatians in Romania and Romanians in Croatia. Our minorities are our richness, stated President Grabar- Kitarović. She highlighted that she is extremely pleased that Romania recognized and is actively working on separating the Croatian and Serbian languages. She announced that in addition to the Chair at the University of Bucharest, she will also open the Chair of Croatian language at West University Timişoara.

6 STATE VISITS / 06 Romanian-Croatian Economic Forum BUCHAREST, 3 October In the scope of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović to Romania a Romanian-Croatian Economic Forum was held in cooperation with the Croatian Chamber of Economy. Croatia and Romania as Member States of the European Union and NATO are achieving close political cooperation, but great potential in economic cooperation exists but is not sufficiently leveraged, assessed Croatian President Grabar-Kitarović and Romanian President Werner Klaus Iohannis at the Economic Forum in Bucharest. President Grabar-Kitarović stated that there are major business opportunities on the Croatian and Romanian markets, and added that there is potential for strengthening economic, business and investment ties between the two states. Your participation demonstrates that our business communities enjoy a firm and mutual beneficial economic partnership which they are truly striving to advance and additionally strengthen, she said. The Croatian President indicated that before Croatia and Romania a long way still lies ahead before they can achieve economic development and the standard of living of the so-called old Europe. I am therefore pleased that

7 STATE VISITS / 07 Croatia and Romania are achieving close cooperation also within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative, in accordance with our joint position that with a stronger infrastructure connection of Central Europe it is possible to increase competitiveness and stimulate economic growth which would bring us closer to western European Union Member States, she said. Romanian President Iohannis highlighted the role of businesspeople in strengthening economic cooperation, expressing hope that this forum will also contribute to it. Our countries are among the youngest members of the European Union, countries that are committed to common values of unity and solidarity within the Union. I propose that we make the most of the potential that is available in order to strengthen the integration process. You, businesspeople, have to be the principal impulse. I encourage you to be optimistic in finding all the economic potential which can strengthen cooperation between the two countries, stated President Iohannis. In recent years significant progress has been achieved in the area of bilateral relations, the dynamics of trade have been realized amounting to roughly 300 million euros, although far below the potential. In the first half of this year trade has increased to virtually 30 percent which is a good result, but I suggest for us to be even more ambitious, especially in the area of high technology. It is also important to achieve regional energy cooperation, highlighted the Romanian President. Often businesspeople alone make progress even when state institutions do not succeed in their task of assuring stability and predictability of the economic environment, therefore entrepreneurs are that main driving force for the development of relations, he concluded. President Grabar-Kitarović told the businesspeople that the partnership between two states have special potential in key areas such as the defense industry, electrical energy, information technology, transportation, infrastructure and tourism. Moreover, she stressed the importance of transportation links, especially flights and navigation on the Danube. In that sense, I welcome the establishment of flights between Zagreb and Bucharest and seasonal flights Bucharest Split which increased tourist exchanges, said the Croatian President. Forty-five Romanian and twenty-two Croatian companies are participating at the forum including AD Plastik, Crosco, HS Produkt, Kamgrad, Stražaplastika, Port of Vukovar and IGH. In the first six months of this year trade between Croatia and Romania amounted to million euros which is an increase of 25 percent as compared to the first six months of last year. Croatian exports increased by 35 percent and amounted to 71.6 million euros, and imports from Romania amounted to 85.8 million euros, 20 percent more in comparison with the same period last year. On the second day of her visit to Romania, President Grabar-Kitarović will hold separate meetings in Bucharest with Romanian parliamentary leaders and with Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church. At the University of Bucharest she will hold a lecture entitled Croatian Contribution to European Consolidation.

8 STATE VISITS / 08 Talks with Romanian Patriarch Daniel and Lecture at University of Bucharest BUCHAREST, 3 October The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who is on a three-day official visit to Romania, met with Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church and held a lecture at the University of Bucharest entitled Croatian Contribution to European Consolidation. In her talks with Patriarch Daniel, the President emphasized the good relations between the Catholic Church in Croatia and the Romanian Orthodox Church. She reminded that, in April of this year, the small Romanian community was given the use of a Catholic chapel in Zagreb for regular mass celebrations, and a special worship was held at Easter. The Romanian Orthodox Church applauded the granting of the use of the chapel. President Grabar-Kitarović acquainted the Patriarch with the minority community of Istro-Romanians or Ćića, ethnic group residing in northwestern Istria. They number fewer than one thousand speakers of the Istro-Romanian language, considered to be a dialect of Romanian, and they do not have a special feeling of national identity and generally declare themselves Croatian. At her lecture at the University of Bucharest, President Grabar-Kitarović spoke of the similarities and differences in the transition experiences of Croatia and Romania, and stressed that one of the Croatian foreign policy priorities is integration of all countries of South East Europe in the European Union. There are many similarities between Croatia and Romania, both countries had a common experience of living behind the Iron Curtain, in societies that were

9 STATE VISITS / 09 not open. With the fall of the Berlin wall, the fall of communism and the end of the Cold War, all states of Eastern Europe expressed the wish to unite with other European states and become part of the European community of nations, stated President Grabar- Kitarović. She added that the Croatian experience, although both countries were confronted with the complex process of transition to market economy, was additionally complicated by the fact that Croatia was a victim of aggression and war, and in the postwar period was forced to invest in renewal and reconciliation. Furthermore, in her lecture the President spoke of Croatia s foreign policy goals after the war namely, full-fledged membership in NATO and the European Union, which was achieved in 2009 and 2013 respectively and the need to preserve fundamental European values. I would like to highlight the fundamental values on which the European Union rests, and they are equality, solidarity, equal opportunities and values of liberal democracy which enable prosperity to all their citizens, she said. Lately there has been talk of a multitier Europe, or a multispeed Europe. I firmly believe, as do Romanian leaders, that the European Union should remain a project for all its Member States, in order for them to enjoy all the advantages of membership, but also share the responsibility that membership brings, in order to direct Europe s development together, President Grabar-Kitarović stated. She spoke of Brexit which was of course a great shock to all of us. We accept the will of British citizens to choose the future they want, but we have to focus once again on our fundamental goals and we have to consider our strategy for the future of Europe, she added. Speaking of Croatia s foreign policy goals, she indicated that high on the list of priorities are relations with Western Balkan states that are in various phases of their candidacy for membership in the European Union. The integration of these states in the European Union remains one of the priorities of Croatian foreign policy. The failure of the process of consolidation, the stopping of reforms and integration of that part of the European continent could create some sort of void which could be filled by forces that are not very keen on further European Union and NATO enlargement, she stated. She added that for Croatia the integration of these states in the European Union is the key for guaranteeing long-term peace and stability. It is important for the European Union to follow that process and keep the prospect of membership open, concluded President Grabar-Kitarović. In the continuation of her official visit the Croatian President held a working meeting with the President of the Senate Calin Popescu Tariceanu. During their talks, they affirmed that this visit will advance an already high level of cooperation and friendship between the two countries. Moreover, they agreed that President Grabar- Kitarović s visit gives the opportunity to discuss areas of joint interest, such as projects within the scope of the Three Seas Initiative and broader in the context of the European Union.

10 STATE VISITS / 10 President on Official Visit to Russian Federation RUSSIAN FEDERATION, October On the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović will be on a three-day official visit to the Russian Federation. The President will begin her official visit on Wednesday, 18 October 2017 with a meeting with Russian President Putin in Sochi. After the meeting the two presidents will be present at the signing of the Protocol on the Cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation, the Implementation Protocol on Readmission, the Program of Cooperation between the State Attorney of the Republic of Croatia and the Prosecutor General s Office of the Russian Federation, the Program of Cooperation in Culture for the period, the Plan of Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Memorandum of Agreement in the area of economic cooperation on third state markets. On the second day of her official visit, Thursday, 19 October 2017 President Grabar-Kitarović will hold separate working meetings in Moscow with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko and the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill. The same day a Russian-Croatian business forum will be held at which the Croatian President will address the businesspeople. In Moscow President Grabar-Kitarović will be awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics and will hold a lecture on Friday, 20 October The President ends her official visit to the Russian Federation the same day in Saint Petersburg where she will meet with Governor Georgy Poltavchenko.

11 STATE VISITS / 11 First Day of President s Official Visit to Russian Federation SOCHI, 18 October The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović s official visit to the Russian Federation began with a meeting with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in the state residence in Sochi. I am delighted to meet with you in Russia, I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues. Welcome, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin told the Croatian President at the beginning of their meeting in the Bočarov Ručej residence. I look forward to our talks today and I believe that we will turn a new page, open a new phase in our relations while discussing bilateral relations, primarily increase of economic, cultural and all other forms of cooperation, including security issues on the territory of the European continent, especially in our neighborhood in South East Europe and issues of global security where Russia plays an vital role, President Grabar-Kitarović said.

12 STATE VISITS / 12 She added that there are presently several open issues between the two states and she expressed conviction that they can be discussed in a frank dialogue of mutual respect. First of all, I maintain that positive assumptions can be made for further increasing cooperation between Croatia and Russia, she indicated. The President took the opportunity to invite President Putin to an official visit to Croatia. President Putin reminded that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Croatia and expressed pleasure that there is a significant increase in trade between the two states. Furthermore, he said he is confident that all talks and meetings of the Croatian President during her visit to Russia will be beneficial to the relations between both states. Prior to her meeting with the President of the Russian Federation, President Grabar-Kitarović met with the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.

13 STATE VISITS / 13 Meeting of Croatian and Russian Presidents SOCHI, 18 October At the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is on a three-day official visit to the Russian Federation. Her official visit began with a meeting with the Russian President in Sochi. In the year when we mark the 25th anniversary of recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations, I wish to highlight that Croatia, as a responsible member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and also as a country that esteems Russia s international status, wants to give bilateral relations a new swing following a long period of falter, President Grabar-Kitarović stated after her meeting with President Putin. Croatia is Russia s major partner in Europe and in the Balkans. In the twenty-five years since the establishment of official inter-state relations they gained a diversified and mutually beneficial character, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated. Today both sides expressed a wish for cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, President Grabar-Kitarović emphasized. President Putin indicated that concrete measures for improving cooperation were discussed and especially in the area of the economy. We feel that this year there is an opportunity for trade to return to its pre-crisis level, the Russian President stated. The Memorandum of Agreement in the area of economic cooperation on third state markets that was signed will also help improve cooperation he said and added that expectations are big for tomorrow s business forum in Moscow. He highlighted that discussions focused on the energy sector. Croatia is a large importer of Russian petroleum products and last year purchased 350,000

14 STATE VISITS / 14 tons of petroleum with Russia satisfying roughly half of Croatia s needs for gas. We reckon that the results achieved will contribute to further development of Russian-Croatian cooperation in all sectors, the Russian President added. The Croatian President stated that the broad range of topics discussed was confirmed by the signing of new agreements on cooperation. Both presidents were present at the signing of a number of agreements: Protocol on the Cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation; Implementation Protocol on Readmission; Program of Cooperation between the State Attorney of the Republic of Croatia and the Prosecutor General s Office of the Russian Federation; Program of Cooperation in Culture for the period; Plan of Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Memorandum of Agreement in the area of economic cooperation on third state markets. Speaking of Agrokor where the Russian banks Sberbank and VTB invested huge sums of money and expect debt repayment, President Putin simply said that Russian banks are successful on the Croatian market and that Sberbank and VTB banks are participating in the financial recovery of Agrokor. Finally, the Russian President thanked President Grabar-Kitarović on the meaningful talks and she invited him to Croatia in the hope that the visit could take place in the next year. President Grabar-Kitarović stated that minor open issues which are of a technical nature were discussed and on the way of being successfully resolved. In that sense, she thanked President Putin for his constructive role in the resolution of the pollution problem in Slavonski Brod caused by the refinery in Bosanski Brod owned by the Russian Zarubezhneft company. The Croatian President presented the Three Seas Initiative to her Russian counterpart underlining that it is not directed against Russia or Germany, or any other state in Central Europe, nor is it an American Trojan Horse. This Initiative is open for cooperation with other states in various projects she said. On the topic of global security challenges, Russia represents an unavoidable partner in their resolution and in discussions on global security, the President stated. Speaking about the Ukrainian crisis, the Croatian President said that Croatia advocates the implementation of the Minsk Protocol in its entirety.

15 STATE VISITS / 15 Second Day of Official Visit to Russian Federation MOSCOW, 19 October The second day of her official visit to the Russian Federation, the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović met with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow. During the talks, Prime Minister Medvedev stressed the importance of twenty-five years of diplomatic relations between the two states and twenty-five years of relations and friendship between Zagreb and Saint Petersburg, city where President Grabar-Kitarović will travel tomorrow. Furthermore, he indicated that it is important to hold a regular pragmatic dialogue which has been lacking in recent years. President Grabar-Kitarović agreed with him saying that relations were neglected. President Grabar-Kitarović met with the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill and stated that Russia and Croatia recognize the importance of dialogue between Churches and the need to protect Christians in the world.

16 STATE VISITS / 16 I consider religious groups as partners in reinforcing society s positive values in our present-day world that is exposed to the consequences of the ravages of war and migrations, and also crises resulting from the loss of universal spiritual values, the President stated prior to her meeting with the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill. She emphasized that in the Croatian city of Crikvenica there is the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas, built in 1924, and that the Croatian state endorses the renewal of churches and church complexes, including Orthodox. With the renewal of this church, the Russian Orthodox liturgy can begin she said. During her stay in Moscow, the Croatian President also met with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

17 STATE VISITS / 17 President Awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics MOSCOW, 20 October The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who is on a three-day official visit to the Russian Federation, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Moscow. An Agreement on Cooperation between Plekhanov Russian University of Economics and the Zagreb School of Economics and Management was signed in her presence by the rector of Plekhanov Viktor Grišin and the dean of the Zagreb School of Economics and Management Đuro Njavro. The President toured the University museum, signed the Book of Distinguished Guests and held a lecture on New Trends in Global Business. She expressed her pleasure for speaking on this topic at one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Russia which has been engaged in higher economics education for more than a century.

18 STATE VISITS / 18 In her lecture she spoke of trends in globalization and free trade on the one hand, and isolationism on the other; of traditional and modern industries and in that context of the potential for strengthening cooperation between Croatia and Russia. I am confident that in today s interdependent world there is only one way to go: and it is totally opposite from isolationism and protectionism, it is the way of cooperation, building of bridges, removal of obstacles to international trade and promoting of joint projects and initiatives that will be beneficial to those who will participate, she said. President Grabar-Kitarović stressed that today one should be dedicated more to the creation of innovative services and products of higher added value because only in this way can one compete for the most developed positions on a global level. In her opinion, it is the reason why Croatia in conjunction with eleven Central European Member States of the European Union launched the Three Seas Initiative which is focused on better linking ties between these states that have been neglected in the past. The Initiative is open for cooperation with all other states, and a large number of third states have already expressed a wish and readiness to be included in the projects. Why wouldn t Russia be among them too? At this place I would like to emphasize that this Initiative is for, for cohesion of Central Europe and the European Union as a whole, and not against. Furthermore, she explained that the Initiative s starting platform is 150 projects valued at 45 billion euros in the sectors of energy, transport infrastructure and digitalization and that there lies the potential for realizing high levels of synergy between Russia and the states of the Initiative, and Russia and Croatia. A joint development of digitalization projects, an additional increase in cooperation between our educational institutions and joint work in research and development, innovations and modern business ventures provide an opportunity to achieve business and goals described in my lecture today, she indicated. In this way as well I invite you to join us in our projects in order to take advantage together of the opportunities before us and assume the place of the most developed, the President stated. In the end she told students not to give up continuing education because it is crucial for their future.

19 GLOBAL / 19 President to Attend Women Political Leaders Global Summit REYKJAVIK, November At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Lithuania and Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders Dalia Grybauskaitė, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović will participate at the Women Political Leaders Global Summit which will be held in Reykjavik, Republic of Iceland, from 28 to 30 November The Summit of the Council of Women World Leaders is taking place during the annual summit of the Women Political Leaders Global Forum. The President will deliver an address We Can Do It Women Peacemakers. During her stay in Reykjavik, President Grabar-Kitarović will hold a working meeting with the President of the Republic of Iceland Guðni Jóhannesson, and on the sidelines of the Summit talks are planned between the Croatian President and the President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė, the President of the Republic of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid. President Grabar-Kitarović will meet with members of Knesset, Parliament of the State of Israel, the Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Women and Family Affairs Dr. Masoumeh Ebtekar and the Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Mari Kiviniemi.

20 GLOBAL / 20 President at Council of Women World Leaders Summit REYKJAVIK, 29 November The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović participated at the Summit of the Council of Women World Leaders being held in Reykjavik. She interrupted her trip to Iceland following the judgement of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in the case against the six Croatian leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A working meeting between President Grabar-Kitarović and the President of the Republic of Iceland Guðni Jóhannesson was planned, and during her stay in Reykjavik the President held several bilateral meetings. Among others, she held talks with the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid. The Estonian President offered her country s experience with e-administration /e-government/ which resulted in a significant reduction of costs of the state and local administration and increased effectiveness and

21 GLOBAL / 21 transparency of the entire system, including taxes and land registries. One of the themes was electronic voting where Estonia realized enviable progress. Croatia and Estonia have very good relations, without outstanding issues, and there is potential for greater economic cooperation. The two presidents feel that further cooperation can be developed in the area of coordinating views of joint interest within the European Union, particularly the Three Seas Initiative. Potential for cooperation includes energy security, unique digital market and border management. The Croatian President talked with the President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė who is also President of the Council of Women World Leaders. Approximately three hundred women, present and former political leaders, gathered at the meeting in Reykjavik, to discuss a stronger role of women in politics and how to fight against the inequality between women and men. According to latest data, in state parliaments in the world there is only 26.6 percent women, 19.1 percent women are members of governments, 5.7 percent of women are prime ministers and 7.2 percent of women are heads of state. Within the framework of the program President Grabar- Kitarović delivered an address entitled We Can Do It Women Peacemakers. In it she stated that she comes from a country that was victim of aggression and from being a recipient of humanitarian aid became a donor. She emphasized that women are key factors in the prevention of violence and in the battle against it. She related the mass rapes and violence against women in Croatia during the Homeland War. In Croatia we implemented a successful process of reconciliation. I believe that the large share of women that participated take credit for this. Today, we remain committed to the implementation of women peacekeeping and security resolutions at home, but also at a regional and global level, she stated. At the Summit of the Women Political Leaders Global Forum awards were presented to all women who were elected president or prime minister. In accepting her award, President Grabar-Kitarović said that she dedicates it to the Croatian people who elected her.

22 GLOBAL / 22 President of the Republic on a Working Visit to the USA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 4-7 December The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović will be on a working visit to the United States from Monday, 4 December to Thursday, 7 December 2017 during which she will visit Boston, New York and Washington D.C. She will begin her working visit in Boston where she will tour the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and present a decoration of the Republic of Croatia to prominent Croatian scientist Marin Soljačić. She will lecture at Tufts University, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy on the topic: Multidimensional Approach in Croatia s Foreign Policy. On Tuesday, 5 December 2017 President Grabar- Kitarović will hold a bilateral meeting in New York with the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and a meeting with prominent women officials in the United Nations on the topic of promoting the status of women. The following day she will speak on behalf of the Republic of Croatia at the Security Council meeting dealing with the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. After New York, the President will travel to Washington D.C. where she will attend the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia and at the Atlantic Council of the United States she will hold strategic talks on the Three Seas Initiative.

23 GLOBAL / 23 First Day of President s Working Visit to USA BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 4 December The President of the Republic began her working visit to the United States in Boston where she visited the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and decorated Croatian scientist Marin Soljačić with the Order of the Croatian Star with Effigy of Ruđer Bošković, for extraordinary services in science and its promotion in the Republic of Croatia and in the world. At the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University, President Grabar-Kitarović lectured on the theme Multidimensional Approach in Croatia s Foreign Policy. The Euroatlantic integration of South East Europe countries is not enlargement of Europe, but its consolidation, the President emphasized in her lecture dedicated to Croatian foreign policy. She said that Croatia will continue to provide strong support for the European and/or Euro-Atlantic perspective of the whole area. The countries of South East Europe have been sitting in the Euro-Atlantic waiting room for far too long, without any real progress and a mere promise of distant prospect for membership will not suffice anymore, she added. Membership is the only guarantee of stability and prosperity and it is important to recognize that future enlargement will further consolidate the European Union rather than just make it larger. Therefore,

24 GLOBAL / 24 I prefer to use the political term consolidation of Europe, the President highlighted. By establishing a more assertive, self-confident and multi-dimensional foreign policy posture, Croatia is utilizing its geographic position in order to provide part of the solution to some of Europe s most pressing issues, she stated. Due to historical events that created a fragmented Central Europe, the reunification of the European continent has failed to neutralize the artificial division between the so categorized old and new Europe and the Three Seas Initiative, initiated by Croatia from the South and Poland from the North should help prevail over these obstacles. The goal of this Initiative is to strengthen economic and political cooperation, build stronger cohesion of the European Union and the entire European continent, to jointly build a powerful set of economic arteries, including energy pipelines and power lines, highways, railways and telecommunication links. Faced with rapidly developing global challenges, the whole world is at a turning point, the President emphasized and reminded of some of the major challenges such as the state of affairs in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, Croatia is committed to collective defense, NATO S core task. In 2018 Croatian soldiers will continue to participate in NATO missions, for example in Poland and Lithuania, KFOR in Kosovo and in Afghanistan where it will increase its contingent by ten percent. Croatia has made a nine percent increase in defense spending for 2017, with the clear intention of continuing the increase during 2018, and beyond, the President stated in her address in the scope of her four-day working visit to the United States.

25 GLOBAL / 25 Multidimensional Approach in Croatia s Foreign Policy Address by the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović at the Tufts University, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy BOSTON, 4 December I would like to thank you for the very gracious introduction, as well as for the very warm and kind welcome to a place known for its extraordinary contribution to education. I have known you, Admiral Stavridis, for a long time, and it comes as no surprise to me that you have become the Dean of such a renowned institution, one of the best in the US and in the world, recognized globally for its high-quality academic programs, especially in international relations and diplomacy, committed to achieving excellence and creating leaders capable of coping with a complex, challenging and increasingly global society. With alumni living and working in more than 130 countries, you are truly a global organization with global impact. INTRODUCTION It is truly an honour to deliver my remarks here today on the Multidimensional Approach in Croatia s Foreign Policy. First, I will discuss SEE and the importance of a credible EU perspective for South East Europe. Then, I will share my views on the future of the European Union and the necessity for stronger cohesion of Central Europe as well as the connection to the Three Seas Initiative. And lastly I will highlight the importance of the Transatlantic bond, NATO and its role in the global security architecture. As friends and allies, I am confident that Croatia and the US largely see eye to eye on the issues I have mentioned, and that we have a great potential for even stronger cooperation in all of these fields. We are both firmly committed to a stronger European Union, stronger Euro-Atlantic security architecture as NATO allies and in particular to strengthening the stability of South East Europe. FIRST ITEM SOUTH EAST EUROPE Indeed, special focus of Croatia s foreign policy belongs to our immediate neighborhood of South East Europe. Croatia attaches great importance to the stability, security and prosperity of this area, which currently finds itself at the axis of today s major global security challenges. Once again it has become a staging ground for the flexing of geopolitical muscle and competing interests. Let me be very clear. When speaking of South East Europe, I do consciously avoid the term Balkans or Western Balkans, because for me the term implies more than just a geographic designation. It has negative connotations of political instability, insecurity and internal fragmentation, which should be avoided. South East Europe is of strategic importance for the entire European Union and NATO and therefore Croatia will continue to provide strong support for the European and/or Euro-Atlantic perspective of the whole area. I firmly believe that Euro-Atlantic integration is the only guarantee of stability and prosperity for this region. In

26 GLOBAL / 26 this respect, it is important to recognize that future enlargement will further consolidate the European Union rather than just make it larger. In this context, I prefer to use the political term consolidation of Europe. I believe that it is a broader term than EU enlargement, which is often viewed as a technical exercise. To fully consolidate Europe and achieve stability, security and development, South East Europe has to be incorporated. The EU may grow in the number of Member States with the integration of South East Europe, but it will not be enlarged. Instead, it will be complete and consolidated. A mere promise of distant prospect for EU and/or NATO membership will not suffice anymore. The countries of South East Europe have been sitting in the Euro-Atlantic waiting room for far too long, without any real progress. This strategic void has been gradually filled by some third parties who may have some other vision for this part of our continent. I am hopeful that the messages sent from the European Commission President s State of the Union address will reinvigorate the credibility of the European perspective. I was heartened to observe the mention of this area in the recent speech by President Macron as well. There is a growing recognition on this side of the Atlantic that the situation in South East Europe merits again the attention of the US administration. We should not be oblivious to the fact that messages from Washington had and still continue to have stronger resonance than those from Brussels. Hence, concerted action from the US and the EU, in particular with the member states that have expertise and interest in South East Europe, is the only way ahead to achieve stability of this part of the European continent. SECOND ITEM EU THREE SEAS INITIATIVE In these turbulent times and challenging circumstances, national borders can be walls or they can be bridges. The European project is a bridge that unites European nations in our diversity. It is without question that we deeply regret the decision of the British people to leave our Union. But it is a reminder of the importance of a unified EU that stands together when facing global challenges. Croatia aims to be fully involved in considering the Union s next steps by defining and protecting its own objectives, while simultaneously contributing to a new concept of common aspirations and targets. We firmly believe that the two are not in collision, that a Member State can have and promote its national interests, and at the same time remain a steady champion of European togetherness and common vision of the future. By establishing a more assertive, self-confident and multidimensional foreign policy posture, Croatia is utilizing its geographic position in order to provide part of the solution to some of Europe s most pressing issues. As a Central European, South East European and Mediterranean country, we clearly do not want to see Member States divided into core vs. periphery or multitier Europe areas. Therefore, I am encouraged by the recent messages of President Juncker on the importance of an inclusive approach to the policies of our Union. Ladies and Gentlemen, Due to historical events that created a fragmented Central Europe, the reunification of the European continent has failed to neutralize the artificial division between so categorized old and new Europe. All this resulted in weak infrastructural North-South interconnectivity of Central Europe and emphasized our vulnerability to many different global challenges that we are facing today. With the aim to prevail over these obstacles and take the forefront in building an even stronger Europe and Euro-Atlantic coherence, cohesion and solidarity, twelve Central European Member States have successfully united under the globally recognized project of the Three Seas Initiative, headed by our close friends and allies -Poland from the North and Croatia from the South. I am pleased that next year we will come together in Romania, for the Third Summit of the Three Seas Initiative, after Dubrovnik and Warsaw, confirming our mission of improving cohesion between the countries within the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Sea area. Today, the EU consists of 28 Member States, with a population of 500 million people and 277 regions. The ten most dynamic European regions have an average GDP five times bigger than that of the ten least developed ones. These disparities are a consequence of differences in the level of development of infrastructure, employment and investment, which are emblematic of Central Europe. At the same time, the GDP of the 3 Seas countries combined could accumulate to an economy larger in size than that of Canada or the Russian Federation. Through the initially listed projects of the Three Seas Initiative, around 150 of them, with estimated value above 45 billion Euro, we aim to strengthen economic and political cooperation through the advancement of

27 GLOBAL / 27 missing infrastructure networks in Central Europe. We are investing significant effort to secure political support and boost investments and infrastructure integration in the areas vital for economic growth, job creation and overall prosperity of all twelve participating countries and the EU itself. It is an informal and flexible political platform for an exchange of views and connecting our businesses with concrete projects and initiatives. Our goal is to build stronger cohesion of the European Union and the entire European continent, to jointly build a powerful set of economic arteries, including energy pipelines and power lines, highways, railways and telecommunication links. Such infrastructure projects and networks are our most pressing priority. They will enable us to successfully connect the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Sea into an area of economic growth and prosperity. They should further increase our connectivity to global energy markets, offering a valuable contribution for energy diversification and liberalization of energy trade. In this respect, by building a floating LNG terminal on Croatian island of Krk, we will help diminish the dependence of European countries on a single energy source and provide security of gas supply for Central and South East Europe. This project has been endorsed by President Trump at the meeting of the Three Seas Initiative in Warsaw in July as well as Secretary of State Tillerson just a couple of days ago. THIRD ITEM TRANSATLANTIC BOND/ SECURITY/NATO Faced with rapidly developing global challenges, Europe and the entire Euro-Atlantic area, as well as the whole world, are at a turning point, which tests our resilience as individual countries, but even more so our common adherence to shared ideas, goals and values. The Euro- Atlantic area has been an island of stability, cooperation and partnership, based on the common idea of a Europe whole, free and at peace. Furthermore, the Transatlantic bond has been the anchor of Europe s security architecture, development, prosperity and constant growth for decades. This Transatlantic relationship is even more important today, as we are faced with unprecedented challenges of growing nuclear threat from the Korean Peninsula, of very instable and volatile Middle East, of unparalleled movement of people fleeing wars, violence, genocide, starvation, looking for a better life. The ever-growing threat of terrorism, hybrid and cyber warfare reminds us why we have/need NATO and why is it of utmost importance to keep our commitments strong and remain united. Let me quote the former Secretary General of NATO, and my former boss, Anders Fogh Rasmussen in his Atlantic Council acceptance speech: Now we need to strike a new transatlantic deal. To do more with each other, not less. To come closer, not drift apart. To turn outwards, not inwards. Because no country can deal with all of these challenges alone. That is why Croatia s commitment to NATO s core task - collective defense - is steadfast. During 2018 we will deploy, in total, 260 troops in NATO s enhanced Forward Presence. Croatia is engaged in two battle groups, in Poland and Lithuania and both of our contingents are already on the ground. We also strongly support NATO s increasing role in the fight against terrorism. Croatia s most prominent contribution in that regard is our contingent in Resolute Support Mission. During 2018 we plan a 10% increase of our current (almost 100 troops strong) contingent in Afghanistan. As for our other contributions to Allied operations and missions, we will keep our presence in KFOR, providing our support to stability and security of Kosovo, as long as it is necessary. Croatia also strongly supports the strengthening of NATO - Kosovo interaction. Allied overall defence spending is also on the upswing. This is most commendable, underpinning a joint investment in our more secure common future. Croatia, for its part, has made a 9% percent increase in defence spending for 2017, with the clear intention of continuing the increase during 2018, and beyond. Just a couple of days ago, the alumnus of this great institution, General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his address here, said: Transatlantic link is critical for us to meet our NATO commitments. There are two issues there. One is actually our ability to meet our alliance commitments. The other is deterrence, which is closely linked to the assurance of our allies. Croatia strongly agrees with those words and that is why we have increased both our contributions to the Alliance, the financial one and the one concerning troops on the ground, thus strengthening deterrence. As another example of multidimensional approach in Croatia s Foreign Policy, I would be remiss if I did not mention that Croatia is a member of the Global coalition in the fight against Da esh. Through our participation in the

28 GLOBAL / 28 Inherent Resolve Mission as well as through our bilateral support to Iraq, we have, for instance, schooled official dog guides and official dogs for the detection of explosives. In the same vein, our development aid to Afghanistan is quite substantial, where we have focused on women s education and reproductive health, including the construction of a high school and a Midwife Training Centre in Mazar-e-Sharif, supporting also the economic empowerment of women - women s start-up businesses in carpet weaving and photography. This experience has taught us that investing in the economic empowerment of women can also contribute to the fight against terrorism. As a country that has experienced war first hand, the atrocities and the suffering caused by it, I believe that we should never take peace for granted, always think of it as the final goal, the ultimate means and the most precious gift to human kind. Therefore, we should all work jointly for peace and concentrate on making people s lives better. As a life-long diplomat myself, I applaud you for attending this school, and as future diplomats, lawyers, judges and perhaps even presidents, being ready and committed to the goals of sustainable peace and development to the benefit of all human kind. CLOSING In today s world a multidimensional approach, or sometimes called a comprehensive approach in the EU language (the EU institutions literally have their own language) is certainly the norm when it comes to the foreign policy of any country. It includes different mechanisms that are multidimensional in all of their aspects. Foreign policy nowadays consist of internal policy that then reflects externally, development policy, humanitarian efforts, economic cooperation, security and defense, peacebuilding and peacekeeping, prevention, mediation, civilian and military missions and that goes for bilateral and multilateral relations. As you can see, it truly is multidimensional, with many different actors and policies coming together in one common goal a more peaceful, secure and developed world. This is what I have tried to illustrate today in the context of Croatia s engagement, I hope that I have succeeded. Thank you!

29 GLOBAL / 29 President Meets with UN Secretary-General NEW YORK, N.Y. 5 December In the scope of her working visit to the United States, the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres in New York. Secretary-General Guterres and President Grabar- Kitarović stressed the state of affairs in South East Europe and that the judgements of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia are rendered to individuals and not to states. The UN Secretary-General stated that every judgement is rendered to individuals, and not to states, President Grabar-Kitarović said in a statement after their meeting. Talks focused on the state of affairs in South East of Europe and they agreed that there is reason for concern, especially because the process of European integration has stopped, the President said, emphasizing that the leading official of the United Nations is very well acquainted with and interested in the state of affairs in this part of Europe. The President added that they agreed to work on speeding up this process and speeding up the resolution of outstanding issues between our states. Regarding The Hague tribunal s judgement to the six Croatian leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina for crimes committed during conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Grabar-Kitarović said that she is concerned about the rhetoric being heard these days, namely assessments that the judgement is directed against Croatia and that in relation to this, there are already indications of some future steps, as in demands for reparations to concentration camp prisoners. This is developing into a sort of condemnation of Croatia, which is absolutely false and the prejudice that Croatia was the aggressor in Bosnia and Herzegovina

30 GLOBAL / 30 has to be broken down. I repeat, the indictments and the judgement were individual. Accountability for any crime committed is individual, the President stated and added that she does not want the judgement to create preconditions for dissension between Bosniaks and Croats or to open new debates on wars and guilt. We regret every crime and express deep reverence to each victim, especially to victims in these cases. However, we have to be very realistic and consider everything the Republic of Croatia has done for Bosnia and Herzegovina and also be realistic regarding future relations between the two countries, she said and stressed that the two countries are oriented to one another. My interest is primarily for there not to be any conflicts or dissension between the Croats and Bosniaks, and of course the Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that this judgement not further complicate processes in South East Europe, but rather that we earnestly look to the future and work towards improving our relations and the stabilization of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its European path, the Croatian President stated. I think that we have all had enough history and that we have to firmly turn to the future, the President concluded. Kitarović met with prominent women officials at the United Nations on the topic of empowering the status of women. The empowerment of women and girls is very important to me personally and to my country. All of us together, as humanity, must do more to support and encourage women globally, to stop violence and discrimination, the President stated. I have to admit I have been watching in disbelief how many men, very prominent ones, got accused of harassment, even sexual violence against women, the President said and added when something like this can happen in the 21 century, in the most developed countries in the world, with all of the possible freedoms, as well as legal remedies available to them, I can t imagine how women are feeling when they are surrounded by war, violence and there is no escape from these horrendous crimes. The President added that women are the most common victims of civil conflict. In concluding, she underlined that women also are very often a key factor in managing the processes of reconciliation and postconflict reconstruction and development of society in general. They help to prevent violence, especially sexual violence, find self-employment. After talks with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-

31 GLOBAL / 31 Statement by H. E. Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović President of the Republic of Croatia at the Security Council Debate on Reports of the ICTY and Mechanism for International Tribunals NEW YORK, 6 December Mr. President, Twenty-four years ago, Croatia was one of the States which strongly advocated for the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Its creation lifted the hopes of thousands of Croatians, suffering at the hands of a merciless aggressor. Croatia looked to the ICTY to shield its citizens from grave breaches of international humanitarian law and to punish perpetrators and their sponsors. Croatia shares assessments that the ICTY greatly lived up to the expectations of the international community, having played an important role in the fight against the culture of impunity and represented an instrument in ensuring accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Equally important is the Tribunal s role in giving voice to over one hundred thousand victims of horrific crimes. The Tribunal has demonstrated that crimes will not go unpunished, and that the international community has found a means through which it can and must react. This is confirmed by the fact that following the establishment of the ICTY, the international community established other ad hoc tribunals and the International Criminal Court, taking into account its experience with the ICTY, its best practices and shortcomings.

32 GLOBAL / 32 Mr. President, A quarter of a century later, as the Tribunal closes its doors, we assess its work and legacy against its expected role in securing justice for victims of all war crimes committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, paving the path to reconciliation and putting the troubled past behind. Allow me at this point to express my deepest respect for the victims of crimes committed on all sides, and especially extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who perished or remain missing. In the overall assessment of the work of the Tribunal we have to distinguish between legal assessment of its work and political connotations attached. Here, I can only speak for Croatia. When we look at the ICTY s record in regard to bringing to justice perpetrators of war crimes committed during the onslaught on Croatia, we can be fairly satisfied with its legacy. Let me, as an example, highlight the Martić and the Babić case, where the Tribunal established the existence of a joint criminal enterprise to expel the Croat population from occupied Croatian territory in order to create a Greater Serbia. I also note that two so-called Yugoslav People s Army officers responsible for the unimaginable atrocities at Ovčara, where over 260 Croatian prisoners were executed by Serbian forces and buried in a mass grave, were convicted and sentenced. One of them has since died in prison and the other one was released early. In the Strugar case, the ICTY convicted yet another Yugoslav People s Army officer for attacks on the civilian population of Dubrovnik and destruction and wilful damage to UNESCO protected heritage site. On the other hand, last month, Croatia marked another mournful anniversary of the tragedies and atrocities of war in the autumn of Besieged for three long months and levelled to the ground, the city of Vukovar and its inhabitants suffered a fate unseen in Europe since World War II. Nearly a thousand white crosses at the Vukovar cemetery stand today as a reminder of the massacre and for the victims exhumed from mass graves in and around the city. They also stand for 86 children killed during the siege of Vukovar, the youngest being a six-month old infant. In Croatia, to borrow the words of ICJ Judge Cancado Trinidade, there was an onslaught, not exactly war. Regrettably, for the horror of the three month siege of Vukovar, the ICTY did not charge anyone. While the judgement in the trial of Ratko Mladić brought a degree of relief to the families of his many victims of the genocide in Srebrenica, here I remind again that it was in Croatia where in 1991 he began his infamous warpath, which he later continued in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hundreds of his victims in Croatia, in Škabrnja or Nadin, to name the infamous examples, never saw him stand trial for those crimes. What is more, they were never even included in his indictment. As some of these most horrific crimes occurred in November 1991, they were commemorated in Croatia only a few days before the final judgements rendered by the ICTY, thus creating an emotionally highly sensitive setting. Mr. President, Sharing some critical assessments about the ICTY does not diminish our support for the work of this Tribunal. As in all justice systems in the world, there are deficits. I note that the ICTY Prosecutor himself has in the past publicly stated that in some cases that resulted in acquittals of the defendants, he respects the judgments of the judges, but fundamentally disagrees with them.[1] Similarly, Croatia fully supports the work of the ICTY and respects all its judgements, even if it may on occasion express its disagreement with certain aspects of the Tribunal s work. It has to be said in the final analysis that in more than 10 thousand days of its duration, the ICTY spent too much time on procedural and status related matters and not enough on providing the victims with a true sense of justice. We have stated in this chamber on many occasions that justice delayed is justice denied. On far too many occasions, justice came too late or not at all. It has to be underlined that a fair trial and the due process of law in front of the ICTY depended on the interaction of responsible work of the Office of the Prosecutor, defense counsel and judges. Furthermore, one of the results of the protracted work of the Tribunal, achievements in putting the focus on the future and reconciliation and future, were often set back with particular judgments that provoked opposing interpretations, not allowing for the sands of time to settle over the troubled history of the area. Lastly, the mastermind of the Greater Serbian project that brought on the tragedy that hit the former Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milošević evaded the final legal judgement. This remains a gaping hole in the Tribunal s legacy.

33 GLOBAL / 33 Mr. President, The Tribunal was not established to determine the legitimacy and justification of wars, but rather whether certain individuals acted in accordance with the laws of war, in accordance with international humanitarian and criminal law. Therefore, this Tribunal was not a court dealing with the legitimacy of war, but with the criminal responsibility of individuals during the course of war. Nevertheless, despite the fact that the Tribunal judged individuals, the quagmire of political connotations in individual judgements, legal and political consequences that resulted and that will result from these judgements, including the work of this Tribunal as a whole, is unavoidable. However, throughout its work the ICTY did contribute to the realization that crimes were committed during the war by all sides in the conflict and that these findings facilitated the process of accountability. It is not easy to find strength to admit that some of your own compatriots have committed crimes and that they should be held accountable for them. We have faced that truth in Croatia and expect nothing less from others. However, there is a difference between dealing out individual responsibility and collective guilt. In creating the ICTY, the Security Council tasked the Tribunal to establish individual criminal responsibility and confined the Tribunal to the strict application of existing international humanitarian and criminal law. The ICTY was not to create precedents or legislate international humanitarian and criminal law. Its duty was rather to uphold the highest of standards with regard to the interpretation and appropriate application of existing law. The mandate of the ICTY is to establish individual criminal responsibility for committed criminal acts, that is, to prosecute concrete individuals for concrete deeds no more and no less than that. Consequently, we reject interpretations of the ICTY s recent judgement in the Prlić et al case that it was Croatia, Croatian leadership at the time or the Croatian nation that were indicted or found guilty in front of the ICTY. The ICTY was dealing with the individual defendants who were before the Tribunal and who were parties to the proceedings. Any interpretation of this judgement outside the legal framework and the absence of explicit findings necessary to establish criminal responsibility of Croatia or its leadership is misleading and erroneous. It is important to stress that the same Appeals Chamber in July 2016, when rejecting Croatia s amicus curiae request and interpreting the 2013 Trial Judgement, clearly and unequivocally stated that no explicit findings concerning the participation in a joint criminal enterprise of high Croatian officials were made, that they were neither indicted nor charged in the case, and that they were not found guilty of any crimes.[2] Furthermore, the same Appeals Chamber confirmed that the Tribunal does not have the competency to make findings on state responsibility and that the findings of the Trial Chamber in no way constitute findings of responsibility on the part of Croatia. The recent ICTY judgement in the Prlić et al case should not be misused to imply collective guilt on the Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina or to hinder their legitimate political objectives as one of the three constituent peoples in the country. No community there should feel unsettled and that is, unfortunately, what we have witnessed these days. Croats must feel secure in the homeland they share with Bosniaks and Serbs. I appeal to all politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to think first and foremost of their responsibility for the good of both entities and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole. Croatia, as a co-signatory and guarantor of the Dayton Peace Accords has a special responsibility for the stability of our neighbour and for the preservation of Croats in their homeland of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will relentlessly advocate for productive dialogue among the constituent peoples and all minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, thus paving the way for its prosperous future in the European Union. Mr. President, It is a historical fact that Croatia was crucial in the very survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent State. While a victim of aggression and under threat itself at the time, Croatia for years sheltered hundreds of thousands of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and treated more than ten thousand of its wounded in Croatian hospitals. The overwhelming part of humanitarian and military aid to Bosnia and Herzegovina arrived from or through Croatia. At the same time, Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina were victims of war crimes by the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular in Central Bosnia. Those crimes still remain unpunished. Ultimately, Croatia played a pivotal role in defeating Greater Serbian aggression. Upon the request for aid from Sarajevo and in accordance with our bilateral agreements, Croatia prevented the imminent danger of a repetition of the Srebrenica genocide in Bihać in The Croatian Army, supported by the Croatian Defense Council (HVO) and the

34 GLOBAL / 34 Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, confronted Slobodan Milošević with his inevitable and total military defeat and forced him to the negotiating table, thus ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let me be clear, when we in Croatia speak about the Greater Serbian aggression that brought the conflict, destruction of property and loss of life, we do not in any way attach blame to the Serbian people as a whole, but highlight the sole responsibility of Slobodan Milošević and his regime at the time. I call upon the other leaders in our neighbourhood to ensure that the ICTY s judgments are not misinterpreted, misused or misconstrued, but rather to view this moment as the beginning of a new period. A period of mutual understanding, respect and trust. My responsibility is to improve relations with our neighbours. My responsibility is to focus on the future. I hope that you will all agree that it is not only mine, but our common responsibility. Mr. President, In closing, my wish is that we leave the war and all the misfortunes in our neighbourhood behind us, that we pay tribute to all the victims, condemn all the crimes, but that we primarily and above all look foremost to the future. With the closing of the Tribunal, we continue to bear the responsibility of finding the strength to reconcile all nations and all peoples in this region. Saint Pope John Paul II said no peace without justice, no justice without forgiveness...the path of forgiveness, which opens the way to mutual understanding, respect and trust. Victims of crimes committed on all sides and families of all those who perished or remain missing deserve justice. Some received it in The Hague, many did not. Crimes must be addressed for the benefit of our future. Croatia has done this and will continue to do this, and expects this from others. [1] An Interview with Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs, 24 June [2] Prosecutor v. Jadranko Prlić, Case No. IT A, Decision on Application of the Republic of Croatia for Leave to Appear as Amicus Curiae and To Submit Amicus Curiae Brief, 19 July 2016, at paragraph 9. [ In this regard, the Appeals Chamber observes that the Three Croatian Officials were not indicted or charged in the present case. Furthermore, the Trial Chamber made no explicit findings concerning their participation in the JCE and did not find them guilty of any crimes. Accordingly, the Appeals Chamber considers that the Trial Chamber s findings regarding the mere existence and membership of the JCE do not and cannot constitute findings of criminal responsibility on the part of any persons who were not charged and convicted in this case. Thus, the Trial Judgement is binding only on the Six Accused, and the presumption of innocence is not impacted. The Appeals Chamber further observes that the Tribunal s jurisdiction is limited to natural persons and the Tribunal does not have competency to make findings on state responsibility. Accordingly, the Appeals Chamber emphasizes that the findings in the Trial Judgement regarding the Three Croatian Officials in no way constitute findings of responsibility on the part of the state of Croatia.

35 GLOBAL / 35 President Held Strategic Discussions at US Atlantic Council WASHINGTON D.C., 7 December The President of the Republic of Croatia held strategic discussions on the following steps within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative with representatives of the US Administration, business community, think tanks and the Washington diplomatic corps. These strategic discussions were held at the Atlantic Council of the United States, moderated by its present chairman General James L. Jones. On the fourth day of her working visit to the United States, the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar- Kitarović held strategic discussions on the following steps within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative with representatives of the White House, the National Security Council, the Office of the Vice President and the Secretary of State, the American business community, think tanks and the Washington diplomatic corps. These strategic discussions were held at the Atlantic Council of the United States, moderated by its present chairman General James L. Jones and included the participation of the leadership and members of the Atlantic Council. The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the Atlantic Community s central role in meeting global challenges. The Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic economic and political changes defining the twenty-first century by informing and galvanizing its uniquely influential network of global leaders.

36 GLOBAL / 36 The meeting discussed the need to strengthen overall political, economic, and infrastructure cooperation in Central Europe. There was focus on the need to overcome historical division of the EU, to send clear political signals for proactive engagement of business communities in the implementation of the Initiative s projects. The President highlighted the vision of the twelve Central European countries that are located between the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Seas, EU Member States that have joined together to jointly work towards strengthening cohesion, connection and competitiveness of Central Europe, consequently of the European Union in its entirety, contributing to the resistance of the Transatlantic community. It is necessary to secure strong and sustained political support aimed at more efficient cooperation between governments, business entities and NGOs interested in boosting regional cooperation, the President stated.

37 GLOBAL / 37 Address by the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović at the Gala Dinner WASHINGTON D.C., 7 December Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you for your generous introduction. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to share with you my thoughts on the ties between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America. I can state with pride and satisfaction that a quarter of a century of diplomatic relations has been marked by mutual trust, cooperation and friendship between our two allied nations. The Republic of Croatia highly appreciates all the support of the United States since its independence. Our ties go as far back as 1776 when Dubrovnik Republic was the first foreign country to recognize the Government of the United States of America. Dubrovnik Republic has always been a symbol of Croatia s aspiration for independence and the people of Croatia have always looked to the United States with hope and admiration. During the 19th and the 20th century, many Croats considered the United States as an opportunity for a better life. Many of them, such as our great men Ivan Meštrović and Nikola Tesla, found temporary or permanent haven there, and during Yugoslav communist rule, the United States was one of the prime examples of freedom and democracy to which we aspired. During President Nixon s visit to Zagreb when he shouted out Long live Croatia! a newfound hope was felt in the hearts of so many Croats, suggesting that independence for Croatia was not an unattainable dream, and that soon enough, we would have American support for our reasonable aspirations. Unfortunately, there was a long and difficult road ahead of us burdened by the imposed war. In parallel to this, we had to deal with the struggle for international recognition. After a few individual recognitions, on January 15th 1992 the countries of the then European Community recognized the independence of the Republic of Croatia which marked the beginning of the process of our full international affirmation. It was understandable that the Croatian people, along with the government anticipated recognition from the United States. We were convinced that recognition would come quickly bearing in mind that Croatia had clearly expressed its commitment to democracy and western values. The support of the Croatian diaspora in the United States was fundamental in our defense from the Serb aggression during those crucial months, and they also eagerly waited for US recognition. On April 7, 1992, when American President George Bush accepted the democratically expressed will of Croatian people for independence a path was finally paved for our membership in many international organizations, a process which was successfully completed with our membership in the United Nations. From that time on, the relations between Croatia and the United States have been developing dynamically. We are grateful for the support from the United States in our efforts towards the political re-integration of occupied territories. [Unfortunately, due to destructive policy of the political leadership of the Serbian minority in Croatia, we had to liberate a greater portion of the country through military means.] After the victorious military operations, Operation Flash and Operation Storm, the final act of establishing peace and territorial integrity was implemented with the assistance of the United Nations, during which the excellent cooperation between President Franjo Tuđman and the Chief of the UNTAES Mission, American general Jacques Paul Klein, was crucial. Military defeat that Croatia caused to Milošević s Greater Serbia project, created a prerequisite for the termination of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this sense, it is

38 GLOBAL / 38 extremely important to point out the role of the American administration for the conclusion of the Dayton Peace Agreement, in which Croatia also had a very constructive role. Those were the times of creation, affirmation, defense and liberation of our country, for which we had support from the United States. Our ties were confirmed with visits by President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush to Croatia, as well as visits of Croatian leadership to the United States. We will always remember the moment when President Bush addressed our nation, shortly after Croatia was invited to join NATO, standing in front of St. Mark Church, in the very heart of Zagreb, stating firmly that no one can take away Croatia s freedom again! Today, we are faced with new challenges, from energy security, to migrations and our fight against terrorism. I want to emphasize that Croatia, as a credible partner and ally to the United States, highly values the transatlantic partnership and sees its international engagement in encouraging stronger Central European cooperation, as a vital part of complete European cohesion and transatlantic resilience. On this note, I would like to emphasize that our defense cooperation has never been stronger, and we would like to see the deepening of our economic cooperation and bring it to a similar level. The signing of the Avoidance of double taxation Treaty would significantly contribute to our overall business dynamics. Through the Three Seas Initiative, the informal platform for enhancement of political, economic and infrastructural connectivity of the EU Member States in Central Europe, many opportunities for broader cooperation are available, for both individual and mutual advantage, as well as benefits for the entire EU and the transatlantic community. I want to emphasize that Croatia, as a recognized member of international community, has been promoting universal values of human existence and values of international co-existence ever since gaining its independence. As an EU and NATO Member State, active in peace missions, Croatia is firmly committed to contributing to the efforts to ensure that our neighborhood of Southeast Europe, which had been burdened with conflicts and wars, becomes an area of peace and cooperation in the future. I am hence convinced that the American administration sees Croatia as an anchor of stability in this part of Europe. Our endeavors will be further developed, with assurances that the United States will display its authority in finding a political agreement which would provide for the continuous peace and progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and continuation of its Euro- Atlantic path, which we wholeheartedly support. This is inextricably linked with the need to ensure full equality of Croatian people as constituent people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In conclusion, I am convinced that, through the continuation of our cooperation and enhancement of ties between our countries, we will continue to build transatlantic partnerships on the basis of extended stability in Europe, especially ensuring peace, freedom, security and sustainable progress in the areas of Southeast Europe, as an inseparable part of our common transatlantic vision. More than a million Americans of Croatian descent, who continue to put substantial efforts into linking our two countries, will surely contribute to this. On that account, I am more than convinced that when the US Visa-Waiver program is implemented fully, these connections will be even stronger. May the cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and the United States, continue to grow and long live the friendship between American and Croatian people! The President of Kosovo, who was sworn in last year in April, thanked the President of Croatia for attending his inauguration and Croatia for being among the first countries that recognized Kosovo. Croatia is one of 114 states that recognized the Republic of Kosovo and supports Kosovo, said the President of Croatia, on its path of integration not just in the EU and NATO but also in other organizations and institutions. Croatia will also continue to support Kosovo with regard to joining A5, the initiative for political and security cooperation in South East Europe, and in the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo Armed Forces, announced President Grabar- Kitarović adding that Zagreb is at Prishtina s disposal for an exchange of experience and know-how on the path of integration. Although Croatia and Kosovo are well connected through national minorities, President Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia would like to see the status of the Croatian community in Kosovo improved. The Albanian minority from Kosovo is excellently integrated in Croatian society and has its representative in the Parliament with the

39 GLOBAL / 39 full right to vote. We would like to see the status of the Croatian community in Kosovo improved, especially in Janjevo and Letnica where most members of the Croatian community live, emphasized President Grabar-Kitarović. Noting that he visited the Croatian minority in Janjevo and Letnica, President Thaçi promised that he would advocate that a representative of the Croatian community get a seat in the Parliament. The President of Kosovo also thanked Croatia for its support to KFOR, and other international institutions present in Kosovo. Croatia currently has 33 members in KFOR and President Grabar-Kitarović announced that this presence will increase somewhat this year in line with our desire to stabilize the situation in Kosovo.

40 SENSE CROATIA / 40 Diplomatic Corps in the Republic of Croatia Visited Istria as Part of the Sense Croatia Project ISTRIA, 7 October As part of the Sense Croatia project, the diplomatic corps in the Republic of Croatia visited Istria. The Heads of Diplomatic Missions and international organizations accredited to the Republic of Croatia visited the towns of Roč and Hum on the eve of Independence Day of the Republic of Croatia. They were welcomed by the County Prefect of Istria Valter Flego and the Mayor of Buzet Siniša Žulić. The goal of the Sense Croatia project is to acquaint the diplomatic corps with the advantages and possibilities of all parts of Croatia. The informal gathering in the scope of the Sense Croatia project, launched by the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, continued in Poreč, followed by the Brijuni islands.

41 SENSE CROATIA / 41 Sense Croatia KOPRIVNICA, 15 December Another edition of the Sense Croatia project was held in Koprivnica where a presentation of the economic potential of Bjelovar-Bilogora and Koprivnica-Križevci Counties was made for heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to the Republic of Croatia.

42 I would like to thank all of you for your committed and dedicated work on strengthening cooperation between Croatia and your respective countries. As this year comes to a close, I look forward to successful cooperation in the years ahead. I wish you happy holidays and hope that you will spend them with your families and your loved ones. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Views and News is a free electronic newsletter published by the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Pantovčak 241, Zagreb. Tel: 01/ ; Fax: 01/ All rights reserved. For a free subscription, to unsubscribe or comment: newsletter@predsjednica.hr.