LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the United
States recognition of Croatia and the establishment of diplomatic
relations to be celebrated June 23, 2012

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 20th
Anniversary of the United States recognition of Croatia and the estab-
lishment of diplomatic relations to be celebrated on Saturday, June 23,
2012, at the Croatian Center, New York, New York; this year's committee
includes the Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in New York,
Marijan Gubic, and the Croatian Catholic Parish of Saints Cyril and
Methodius and Raphael; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious event will serve to commend the Republic of
Croatia for advancing freedom and 20 years of diplomatic relations with
the United States of America, advancing the values of democracy and
independence for all in the world and celebrating U.S. support for
Croatia's entrance into the Euro-Atlantic community as an ally of the
United States, and the unyielding support of the Croatian-American
community in the State of New York in fostering strong economic, educa-
tional and cultural ties between Croatia and the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States recognized the Republic of Croatia on April
7, 1992, acknowledging the decision of the people of Croatia to live in
an independent, democratic, and sovereign country; and
WHEREAS, In 1776, the independent Croatian city-state Dubrovnik, was
among the first republics in Europe to recognize the independence of
America, and sent its merchant marine vessels into New York Harbor; and
WHEREAS, The flag of Dubrovnik also symbolized freedom; the flag of
the republic was white, with a St. Blaize, the patron saint, and the
word libertas, surrounded by a garland of oak; and
WHEREAS, The United States and the Republic of Croatia established
diplomatic relations on August 11, 1992; and
WHEREAS, The Croatian-American community in the State of New York
championed freedom, democracy and independence for the Republic of Croa-
tia; and
WHEREAS, The Croatian-American community in the State of New York
contributed to the humanitarian effort caused by the war of aggression
against Croatia through concerted efforts, helping with humanitarian
supplies, food and medical equipment; and
WHEREAS, The Croatian-American community in the State of New York
helped the peace process and worked towards the effort of consolidating
democracy in the Republic of Croatia; and
WHEREAS, The Croatian-American community in the State of New York
championed the early recognition of Croatia by the Government of the
United States; and
WHEREAS, The Croatian-American community in the State of New York
published an appeal by 104 Nobel Laureates for Peace in Croatia in the
NEW YORK TIMES on Tuesday, January 14, 1992; and
WHEREAS, Since achieving their independence, the people of Croatia
have built a democratic society, based on the rule of law, respect for
human rights, and a free market economy; and
WHEREAS, Croatia is a functioning democracy, with stable institutions
guaranteeing the rule of law, human rights, and market economy; and
WHEREAS, Croatia joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),
in recognition of the historic nature of that achievement, earned
through years of hard work and a demonstrated commitment to common secu-
rity and the shared values of NATO members; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the United States recognition of

Croatia and the establishment of diplomatic relations to be celebrated
June 23, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Croatian Catholic Parish of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and St.
Raphael on Manhattan.