Croatian President prof. dr. Ivo Josipovic visited Washington DC on May 3 – 4 2011.
Croatian President prof. dr. Ivo Josipovic visited Washington DC on May 3 – 4 2011.
Following the meeting between President Josipovic and U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, the White House issued a press statement which emphasized continued U.S. engagement in promoting progress and stability in Europe. Vice President Biden commended President Josipovic for Croatia's progress on domestic reforms, especially in strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption. The U.S. expressed confidence that these reforms are irreversible, and strongly supported Croatia's aspiration to conclude its European Union accession negotiations in the near future. The Vice President noted that Croatia's further European integration would send a positive message to the rest of the region (of South East Europe) of the value of undertaking reforms and supporting reconciliation. He also expressed U.S. appreciation for Croatia's important work as a NATO ally, including its contributions to the International Security Assistance Force (in Afghanistan), where it's military and police are helping to train Afghan forces, and playing a leading role at the Afghan Military Police Academy in Kabul. The two leaders also discussed the political situation in South East Europe, where Vice President Biden praised President Josipovic's leadership in helping to build bridges and mend old wounds.
Before the meeting with President Josipovic, Secretary Clinton emphasized that the United States fully supports Croatia's aspirations not only for EU membership, which of course is critical, but the role that Croatia is playing in Europe and the region. President Josipovic said that the support and friendship from the United States is very important for Croatia. Secretary Clinton also mentioned Chicago, where she was born and grew up, adding that she knew that there is a big Croatian community present.
As a part of his visit to Washington DC, President Josipovic met with members of the Congressional Croatian Caucus on Capitol Hill and representatives of the Croatian Community. Speaking at the reception held in his honor, President Josipovic said that this was his first official visit to Washington DC and that during this visit he met with Vice President Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with other U.S. officials. The main message of those meetings was that “we are friends and that we fight for the same values, for democracy, human rights, and the well-being of all of our citizens,” President Josipovic said. He underscored the contribution that Croatian immigrants in the United States have given to Croatia, its government, parliament, business community, sports, and education, adding that Croatian Americans had given a decisive contribution to the fight for Croatia's freedom and independence in the 1991-1995 Homeland War. The co-chairmen of the Congressional Croatian Caucus, Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Congressman Elton Gallegly spoke of their political and family ties with Croatia while Senator Mark Begich expressed appreciation of Croatia's significant contribution to the NATO-led peace mission in Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism.
At Arlington National Cemetery President Josipovic laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown. Later, President visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum where he lit a candle for the victims of Jasenovac and met with the representatives of the Museum.
President Josipovic also delivered remarks entitled “Reconciliation and Criminal Responsibility for War Crimes” at the German Marshall Fund of the United States in which said that that the new policy of post-war reconciliation in South East Europe, which he promotes, would not be possible without establishing responsibility for war crimes. The President said that responsibility for war crimes and fair trials are an important foundation for new political impetus in the region.
Press releases
