A resolution recognizing the Republic of Croatia for its progress in strengthening democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the rule of law and recommending the integration of Croatia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Bill: 109-sres-342
Sponsor: Sen. Voinovich, George V. [R-OH]
Introduced: 2005-12-21 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Alliances
Armed Forces and National Security
Arrest
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Collective security
Commemorations
Congress
Congressional tributes
Crime and Law Enforcement
Croatia
Democracy
Europe
Government Operations and Politics
Human rights
International courts
Iraq
Iraq compilation
Law
Military agreements
Military assistance
Military education
Military operations
Military training
Minorities
NATO countries
Nuclear nonproliferation
Rule of law
Terrorism
War crimes

Summary:
action_date: 2005-12-21
text: 
States that: (1) since the Republic of Croatia became an independent country, the government and people of Croatia have made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in Croatia; and (2) Croatia's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would contribute to stability in Southeast Europe; 
 
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the government and people of Croatia should be commended for their progress on protecting minority rights in Croatia, progress toward achieving the political, economic, military, and other requirements of the NATO's Membership Action Plan, contribution to the International Security Assistance Force and the war against terrorism, and for their constructive participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative and in the United States-Adriatic Charter; (2) the government of Croatia should be commended for its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia which led to the apprehension and transfer of several individuals indicted for war crimes to the Tribunal; (3) the government of Croatia should continue its cooperation with the Tribunal; (4) the government of Croatia should continue and strengthen its role as a partner on nonproliferation and its support in the war against terrorism and in Iraq; (5) the government of Croatia should continue its efforts to implement defense reforms; (6) the United States should continue and increase its defense and security cooperation with the Croatia; and (7) upon complete satisfaction of NATO membership criteria, Croatia should be invited to be a full member of NATO at the earliest possible date. 

action_date: 2005-12-21
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 
States that: (1) since the Republic of Croatia became an independent country, the government and people of Croatia have made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in Croatia; and (2) Croatia's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would contribute to stability in Southeast Europe; 
 
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the government and people of Croatia should be commended for their progress on protecting minority rights in Croatia, progress toward achieving the political, economic, military, and other requirements of the NATO's Membership Action Plan, contribution to the International Security Assistance Force and the war against terrorism, and for their constructive participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative and in the United States-Adriatic Charter; (2) the government of Croatia should be commended for its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia which led to the apprehension and transfer of several individuals indicted for war crimes to the Tribunal; (3) the government of Croatia should continue its cooperation with the Tribunal; (4) the government of Croatia should continue and strengthen its role as a partner on nonproliferation and its support in the war against terrorism and in Iraq; (5) the government of Croatia should continue its efforts to implement defense reforms; (6) the United States should continue and increase its defense and security cooperation with the Croatia; and (7) upon complete satisfaction of NATO membership criteria, Croatia should be invited to be a full member of NATO at the earliest possible date. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-12-21
text: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR 12/22/2005 S14402-14403; text as passed Senate: CR 12/22/2005 S14402-14403; text of measure as introduced: CR 12/22/2005 S14334-14335)
action_date: 2005-12-21
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR 12/22/2005 S14402-14403; text as passed Senate: CR 12/22/2005 S14402-14403; text of measure as introduced: CR 12/22/2005 S14334-14335)
action_date: 2005-12-21
text: Introduced in Senate