News and announcements

Croatia and Iraq Establish Diplomatic RelationsThe Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of the Republic of Iraq signed a Joint Communique today in New York establishing diplomatic relations at the Ambassadorial level.04.01.2005. | Press releases

Croatian Army Officer Becomes Deputy Commander of UN Mission in India and PakistanCroatian Army Brigadier Tomislav Pavicic will assume the duties of deputy commander of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in India and Pakistan on January 5 and will thus become the highest ranking Croatian soldier in an international peace mission, the Defence Ministry said on Monday.03.01.2005. | Press releases

Second Round Scheduled for Croatian Presidential ElectionsIncumbent Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and the candidate of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party, Deputy Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, will face each other in a second round of presidential elections scheduled for 16 January after none of the 13 candidates managed to win over 50% of the vote for an outright victory in Sunday’s presidential elections.03.01.2005. | Press releases

Croatian Govt. Provides Aid to Tsunami-Hit CountriesThe Croatian Government has announced it will allocate four million kuna in financial aid for tsunami-hit countries: India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand.29.12.2004. | Press releases

Standard & Poor’s Improves Croatia’s Credit RatingStandard & Poor’s Ratings Services raised its long-term currency credit ratings on the Republic of Croatia from BBB- to BBB on 22 December, while the rating for the A-3 short-term foreign currency and BBB+/A-2 local currency ratings on Croatia remained the same.27.12.2004. | Press releases

Croatia to Start EU Entry Talks in March 2005The European Council adopted a decision in Brussels today to open accession negotiations with Croatia on 17 March 2005.17.12.2004. | Press releases

Croatia suspends visa regime for Serbia and MontenegroThe Government of the Republic of Croatia has prolonged the suspension of the visa regime with Serbia and Montenegro for another year.16.12.2004. | Press releases

Thirteen candidates in Croatian Presidential ElectionsThe Croatian State Election Commission announced that it has received a total of 13 candidacies for the new Croatian President. Candidates had until midnight December 13 to deliver the required 10,000 signatures to secure a place on the ballot. 14.12.2004. | Press releases

Girls’ Choir from Croatia to PerformThe award-winning girls’ choir from Croatia -- the Little Stars, or Zvjezdice -- is touring the United States this month and will perform a Christmas concert at the Church of the Holy Family, the United Nations Parish, on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.10.12.2004. | Press releases

Croatia Schedules Presidential ElectionsThe Croatian Government today scheduled elections for the President of the Republic for January 2, 2005.30.11.2004. | Press releases