Croatian Foreign Minister Miomir Žužul took part today, 28 April 2004, at the Conference on Antisemitism in Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany, organised by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Government of the Federal Republic of Germany
Speaking after U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Minister Žužul said that antisemitism, as well as many other forms of discrimination, are unfortunately still present today, at the brink of the 21st century, and that we must do all we can to condemn and eradicate it. Minister Žužul cited the efforts Croatian government has undertaken to prevent antisemitism on both national and international level, and pointed out the importance of civil society, NGOs and the media, as well as the education system, in implementing the statutory regulations and ensuring equality for all. The Croatian government has taken a firm stand towards the tragic events of the Second World War, and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader in his speech last month in Jasenovac strongly condemned the crimes committed there, saying that no political or ideological goal can justify violence and crime – said Minister Žužul in his speech.
Minister Žužul had a bilateral meeting in Berlin with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who congratulated him on getting the positive Opinion and the significant progress Croatia has made in its efforts to become a full member of the EU. Secretary of State Powell stressed the importance of good co-operation with the Hague Tribunal. Minister Žužul and Secretary of State Powell described the bilateral relations between Croatia and the U.S. as very good. They also discussed the U.S. support to Croatia’s NATO membership and about the NATO summit in Istanbul June this year. Croatia’s importance in the region was emphasised – Croatia is expected to serve as an example to other countries in the region and assist in its stabilisation.
At the margins of the conference, Minister Žužul met with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen, OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel. Foreign Ministers of the EU members – Fischer, Cowen and Moratinos – expressed their support to Croatia’s efforts and the readiness to push for the Decision on Croatia’s candidate status to appear on the Council of the EU’s agenda at its next session mid-June this year, while foreign ministers of Slovenia, Canada and Bulgaria congratulated Minister Žužul on receiving the positive European Commission’s Opinion and wished Croatia success in further approaching the EU.
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