Minister Miomir Žužul ended his working and official visit to the U. S., where he was a guest at the National Convention of the Republican Party

The National Convention of the Republican Party confirmed the current U. S. president George W. Bush as the Republican presidential candidate at the forthcoming elections, due to be held early-November. The convention ended with a speech by president Bush, who formally accepted the candidacy for the U. S. president.

At the margins of the Convention, minister Žužul and the Croatian ambassador to the U. S. Neven Jurica met with the U. S. vice-president Dick Cheney and the Republican senator of Croatian descent George Voinovich on the occasion of a lecture in which Cheney questioned the ability of the Democratic presidential candidate Kerry to lead the U. S., pointing out that current president Bush is a much more determined and powerful candidate.

In a friendly talk, minister Žužul informed the U.S. high officials about Croatia’s efforts to gain the status of the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2008/2009. The talks also mentioned the possibility of Croatia presiding over OSCE in 2007. Senator Voinovich promised that he will advocate within the Republican Party and the U. S. administration a whole-hearted support to Croatia’s efforts.