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CROATIA'S FIVE GOLDEN MINUTES
Statement by the president Kucan following the inauguration of Croatia's President Stipe Mesic
Zagreb (Croatia), 18 February 2000
 Croatia's five golden minutes in its international life have arrived. It is up to Croatia itself, how it intends to put these five minutes to use. It is in Slovenia's vital interest, however, for them to be used as best possible, for our interests are shared and both ourselves and the Croats subscribe to the same values which constitute the bonding tissue of the new Europe that is coming into existence, President Kucan said in a statement to the press in conclusion of his visit.
It has been a great pleasure for me to be able to attend today's ceremony on the occasion of the inauguration of Mr Mesic, Croatia's new President. This is a symbolic act, marking a new era in the life of the democratic Republic of Croatia or, as I had the opportunity to hear today, a second beginning for a democratic Croatia, bound by the same values as bind present-day democratic Europe, and as bind Slovenia as well.
As was stated in the President's address at the inauguration of the new government, and as is contained in its programme, this will be a country that will see to internal reforms which will develop Croatia into a state bound by the rule of law and human rights, social stability and working to the benefit of its citizens, into a state having sound relations with its neighbours and *desiring European integration.
A discussion with President Mesic once again confirmed the willingness and readiness to foster the best possible relations with Slovenia, to settle outstanding bilateral issues, expecting mutual interests to underpin mutual assistance in making these mutual interests a reality, particularly those that are in connection with both Slovenia's and Croatia's integration into Euro-Atlantic and European structures and institutions.
I believe that with a strengthened mutual confidence – not only at human level, but also at state level – one can count on a willingness to understand the interests of the other in settling our relations and that solutions can be found against this background.
Such an interest exists and it is much broader than just Slovenia's and Croatia's interests. This was also confirmed in my talks with other counterparts, and in particular my discussion with Secretary of State Albright, who expressly brought up this issue.
As you were able to see, there was an important international presence at the inauguration, many illustrious statesmen and politicians were present. This is very important for Croatia's positive promotion in the world. It is an expression of will and expectation of the international community that Croatia will follow the path it has set out on and that it can count on international assistance, assistance with the great task that lies ahead in terms of internal reform. These are – if I may be permitted to say so – the five golden minutes for Croatia in its international life. It will be up to Croatia, how it intends to put these five minutes to use. It is in Slovenia's vital interest for them to be used in the best possible fashion, for our interests are shared, and because both ourselves and the Croats subscribe to the same values, which constitute the bonding tissue of a new Europe that is coming into existence.
All of today's discussions have shown that Slovenia has something to tell the world, and that this is also what the world expects of Slovenia. In other words, these meetings, too, have shown that Slovenia could play a more important role in the world than is perhaps apparent at first glance, provided it concentrates its will and its power domestically.
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