On 24 April 1996, the Assembly adopted Opinion No. 195 on Croatia's request for membership of the Council of Europe. On the basis of a list of commitments entered into by Croatia, signed by the President of Croatia and the President of the Croatian Parliament, and a number of expectations formulated by the Assembly, it was recommended that Croatia be invited to become a member of the Organisation.
The Assembly notes with dismay that the Croatian authorities have since acted in blatant disregard of their commitments. The repressive measures taken against the media, and the dissolution of the Zagreb City Assembly have cast severe doubt on their good faith. Moreover, concern has arisen about the implementation of the law on co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.
However, the Assembly finds that the decision of the Constitutional Court annulling the government's decision to dissolve the Zagreb City Assembly is a positive sign of the functioning of the rule of law in Croatia.
The Assembly notes the position of the Committee of Ministers' Deputies of 15 May 1996. Before taking a decision on Croatia's accession, the Committee will consider a number of commitments and expectations, the fulfilment of which could be required of Croatia, according to a timetable to be fixed.
The Assembly notes with satisfaction the importance also attached by the Council of the European Union to respect for commitments undertaken with a view to accession to the Council of Europe. However, there is clearly a need for closer consultations to ensure co-ordination between the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the positions of the Council of Europe.
The Assembly demands that the Croatian authorities strictly respect the commitments - and meet the expectations - set out in Opinion No. 195, and that the Croatian Parliament act accordingly, in order to enable a rapid accession to the Council of Europe.