Institute for International Relations

Ivan Simonovic (ed.), 1999, IMO, Zagreb

Croatia has a long history of statehood, although it was not until 1991 that it gained full independence. Independence for Croatia meant not only realizing the centuries-old dream of creating the Croatian state, but also a chance for Croatia to assert democratic and other values which neither the first nor the second Yugoslavia, of which Croatia had been a part for most of the 20th century, had succeeded in achieving. In accomplishing these ambitious tasks Croatia found itself faced with a particularly difficult situation. The political and economic transition from a communist dictatorship to democracy and free market economy was in itself a daunting task. This was accompanied by the parallel process of constituting a new, independent state, with all its institutions and functions. It was at this most important juncture in its transformation that Croatia was exposed to brutal aggression.

In terms of foreign policy, Croatia is a Western-oriented state which is seeking to use its Central European, Mediterranean and Danube position for the speediest possible admission to the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Croatia's European history and culture is an asset in this aspiration, while its involvement in the still lingering regional crisis in the southeast of Europe is a disadvantage. Croatia wishes to demonstrate that the time of crisis has passed and that it is prepared to cooperate with the international community, while at the same time heeding its own strategic priorities. During this period Croatia should strengthen its international position and extricate itself from its role as an object of international policy, and instead embark on international cooperation as an equal agent. Accordingly, Croatia should seek to balance international influence when its comes to internal Croatian affairs, with increased participation and influence in the decision-making processes on matters of interest for Croatia. It is by dealing with broader, regional, even global issues that international standing shall be gained and in turn greater independence achieved in matters of direct national interest.

During the initial stages of its membership in the United Nations, Croatia was primarily absorbed with questions relating to ending the aggression and restoring control over the whole of its territory. As was stated by the President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr Franjo Tu?man, on the occasion of Croatia’s accession to the United Nations on 22 May, 1992 the effects of this “barbaric war at the end of the 20th century” were horrific. Therefore, the successful completion of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Eastern Slavonia (UNTAES) peace-keeping operation and the peaceful reintegration of the Danube region into Croatia on 15 January, 1998 marked the beginning of a new era for Croatia and its diplomacy.

At present, Croatian diplomats are faced with two sets of priorities: those left over from the period of struggle for independence and territorial integrity, and those for the future representing a new period of struggle for quality of life. The security question of Prevlaka, the completion of the process of succession to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and issues relating to the protection of human rights are all residues of the past and must be addressed as soon as possible.

The major themes for the future - those which Croatian diplomats are only beginning to address more substantially, but which shall in time be the focus of their attention - include social, economic and development issues.

On the whole, Croatia's United Nations prospects seem promising. Having shown determination and patience, as well as strength in its struggle for independence, Croatia should now show its diligence and resourcefulness. The problems inherited from the recent period of struggle for independence and territorial integrity should be addressed in such a way that they clearly show the international community that Croatia is a mature and responsible state which is not opposed to the practice of monitoring some processes in the country and which wishes to keep its political decision making as transparent as possible, while rejecting any form of tutorship. The momentum towards economic development, the development of democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, which are bound to follow in the wake of territorial integration, shall in turn strengthen the international position of Croatia and enable Croatia's diplomats at the United Nations to successfully address these new priorities.

Croatia's history at the United Nations is brief, but intense. Croatian diplomats have played their role in the creation, defense and stabilization of the state. Croatia can now in the forthcoming years and decades not only make its contribution to the international community, but also pursue its own national interests. Having experienced the shortcomings of the international community’s inability to harmonize its policies through the United Nations system, and being wiser as a result, Croatia shall actively participate in the current reform process and help guide the United Nations into the future. Croatia shall be able to best protect its own interests by striving to uphold universal interests.

Dr. Mate Granic
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Foreign Affairs