Minister Žužul activities in New York at the margins of the 59th UN General Assembly

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi presented the basic elements of the initiative, pointing out that 12 countries still need to ratify the Treaty in order for it to come into effect. Minister Kawaguchi expressed her pleasure that such a large number of ministers took part at the meeting.

In his speech, Minister Žužul pointed out that Croatia has ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and supports all multilateral and regional meetings that will speed up its coming into effect, as well as the setting up of a verification system.

Organised by the Chilean Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, a meeting of the Community of Democracies was held, presided over by Chilean Foreign Minister Maria Soledad Alvear, that discussed the activities of the Community and its function within the UN. A 3rd Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies was announced, to be held May 2005 in Chile. The Chilean minister said that the Community of Democracies deals with helping the initiatives directed towards the strengthening of democracy in all parts of the world. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell asked for the support to president Bush’s proposal for the setting up of a Democratic Fund at the UN.

In his speech, Croatian Foreign Minister Miomir Žužul supported the opening of the Fund and the strengthening of the Community of Democracies, and confirmed his participation at the 3rd Ministerial Conference in Chile. Minister Žužul welcomed president Bush’s initiative, stating that Croatia supports it and will actively participate in its realisation. Minister Žužul also talked about Croatia’s experience on its way to democracy, explaining that it cannot be achieved overnight. Croatia proved its democratic maturity in June this year when it became the EU membership candidate, concluded Minister Žužul.