In terms of the Federation, all principal questions have been settled. The U.S. wants elections as soon as possible, as well as a division of municipalities within the Federation so as to restore the necessary system for elections. New conferences regarding the Federation will soon be held in Firenza as well as in Switzerland in the context of OESS.
Regarding Eastern-Slavonia, Mr. Christopher is confident that the process of reintegration is making progress, and that it will end in a peaceful manner. However, the question still being asked in Washington is: will this be another Sarajevo in terms of the exodus of the Serb community. Croatia believes that the majority of local Serbs will remain if it asks for American support for the normalization of relations with Belgrade. The next step has to be recognition. Croatia is looking for American support in the acceleration of that process, but in reality, reintegration means more to Croatia than recognition.
Mr. Christopher agrees that Croatia is a part of the western world. The U.S. demands a high level of respect for human rights, but is also concerned with issues regarding freedom of the press and the Zagreb elections. The U.S. is giving Croatia its support for admission to global financial institutions, but also accepts the individual differences of the nations of the former Yugoslavia on their road to democracy and the free market. Mr. Christopher commended the extradition of war criminals and expects total application.
There is no change in strategic issues, and the strategic partnership will continue. Minister Granic will meet with Defense Minister Perry today at 17:00 (C.E.T.) and they will discuss security issues and integration. It is clearly understood in Washington that admission into the Partnership for Peace program is based on political resolutions as it will be in the case of Croatia, but Croatia has to allow the U.S., as stressed several times these last few days in Washington, to further extend assistance and support.